The City of New Orleans is preparing for the closure of the federal consent decree that has overseen its police department for more than a decade. Councilman Eugene Green acknowledged the progress made by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) in implementing reforms, describing the moment as a significant milestone for the city and its officers, according to a statement from the New Orleans City Council.
U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who has supervised the NOPD’s reform efforts, announced that the process to end the consent decree will begin after a two-year period starting in January. The Department of Justice has stated it does not oppose the termination, marking a shift in the oversight of local law enforcement.
Councilman Green highlighted the department’s sustained leadership and training, noting that the NOPD has shown that constitutional policing and crime reduction can coexist. He also emphasized that continued local leadership, community trust, and Council oversight will guide the department moving forward…