The Justice Department announced today that it, together with the City of New Orleans, has jointly moved for the city to enter into a two-year “sustainment period” according to the terms of a negotiated plan. This brings the consent decree concerning the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) closer to successful resolution.
The joint motion and proposed plan, which must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, recognize significant progress made by NOPD and the city. This supports entry into the two-year sustainment period required by the consent decree. The sustainment period aims to ensure that reforms continue even after the eventual termination of the consent decree. During this time, NOPD and the city have an opportunity to demonstrate they have systems in place to monitor their compliance with the decree and take corrective actions when necessary. The agreement also requires them to complete important obligations under the consent decree.
“Today’s filing recognizes the significant progress the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Police Department have made to ensure constitutional and fair policing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We look forward to continuing to work with NOPD, the City and the Court Monitor to achieve full and enduring compliance with the consent decree, an outcome that helps strengthen public safety and enhance police-community relations.”
“After years of hard work and intense collaboration, the City of New Orleans and NOPD are well on path to demonstrate compliance and sustainability of policing reforms required by consent decree,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for Eastern District of Louisiana. “Constitutional policing standards are essential to preserving community trust and confidence in law enforcement. Our office, along with Justice Department, will continue working with NOPD, City of New Orleans and Court Monitor towards positive resolution.”
NOPD has made notable progress in achieving compliance with consent decree, including reforms beyond its requirements:
- Reduced Use of Force: Since entry of consent decree, total use of force declined; serious use declined 47% from 2015-2023.
- Improved Stop, Search & Arrest Practices: 2023 audit found overall 95.4% rate compliance with Stop, Search & Arrest requirements.
- Improved Response Times: Responded quicker after piloting program adding new platoon during peak times in busy districts.
- Improved Language Access: Translated key policies/forms into Spanish/Vietnamese; increased certified interpreters; rolled out smartphone application for field translation.
- Policing Free of Gender Bias: Added 11 new investigators reducing caseloads in sexual violence cases; implemented call-back process for callers gone on arrival.
- Crisis Intervention Team: Developed Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit handling calls involving people in crisis; diverted 3,360 calls from June 1, 2023-July 17, 2024.
The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section along with U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District handled this matter.
Civil Rights Division continues prioritizing constitutional policing; currently investigating departments across country including Memphis (Tennessee), New York City (New York), Rankin County (Mississippi). More information about Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section.