Attorney General Murrill has submitted a public comment letter urging Federal Judge Susie Morgan to address the City of New Orleans' motions to terminate the NOPD consent decree. Murrill argues that the city has fulfilled its obligations under the current decree and that continuing it imposes unnecessary costs and obligations.
"The parties agree that the City of New Orleans has met its obligations under the current consent decree, and this new one imposes new obligations and new costs with no sign of ending anytime soon. It’s time to end NOPD’s consent decree once and for all, to take the handcuffs off of the brave men and women who serve as officers in that police department, and put them back on the criminals to increase public safety for all residents," said Attorney General Murrill.
Murrill claims there is no ongoing violation of federal law, suggesting that maintaining the Consent Decree infringes on state sovereignty by hindering local law enforcement. The Attorney General points out financial implications, stating that "the Court-imposed Monitor filled that role with not just one but a whole group of Washington DC lawyers charging Washington DC rates."
According to Murrill, these monitoring fees have cost New Orleans approximately $16.5 million over 12 years. Additionally, reforms required by the Consent Decree were initially estimated at $11 million annually but have now reached $132 million over twelve years.
The Attorney General emphasizes that these expenses hinder NOPD's ability to recruit and retain officers, contributing to rising crime rates in New Orleans. She urges Judge Morgan to grant the City's motion or allow an appeal if denied.
"For all of these reasons, I urge the Court to grant the City’s Motion to Terminate the Consent Decree (or at least deny it so that the City can appeal) and deny the Motion to Approve the Sustainment Plan," concludes Murrill.