New Orleans Police Federal Oversight to Gradually End \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A federal judge has approved a two-year plan for the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) to exit federal oversight, citing significant progress in reforms. Despite opposition to immediate termination, Judge Susie Morgan emphasized that work remains, particularly on community engagement, sex crime investigations, and racial disparities. Federal monitoring will continue during the sustainment period.
New Orleans Police Oversight Transition: Quick Looks
- Federal Oversight: Judge approves a gradual two-year exit plan for NOPD monitoring.
- Reform Achievements: NOPD praised for transparency, data-driven policies, and improved accountability.
- Ongoing Issues: Concerns remain about racial disparities and sex crime case handling.
- Community Involvement: Activists stress the need for sustained public engagement in reforms.
- Political Tensions: Mayor Cantrell’s push for immediate termination rejected as “political gamesmanship.”
Deep Look
After more than a decade under federal oversight, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is entering a pivotal phase of reform. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan approved a two-year “sustainment period” to wind down the monitoring program, marking a significant milestone in the department’s efforts to address systemic issues of misconduct, racial bias, and community distrust. While the decision reflects NOPD’s progress in transforming its practices, unresolved challenges and political tensions highlight the complexity of this transition.
A Long Road to Reform
In 2013, New Orleans entered into a federal consent decree, described as one of the most comprehensive oversight plans in U.S. history. The agreement followed a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation that revealed widespread police misconduct, particularly against the city’s Black community. The report detailed cases of excessive force, racial profiling, and corruption, including egregious incidents like a 1994 murder orchestrated by a police officer and a cover-up of unarmed civilian killings after Hurricane Katrina.
The consent decree required NOPD to implement sweeping changes, from revising policies to enhancing transparency and accountability. Over the years, the department introduced measures such as publishing training materials, strengthening disciplinary procedures, and adopting data-driven approaches to address longstanding issues.
Judge Morgan’s Ruling: A Turning Point
During Tuesday’s hearing, Judge Morgan praised NOPD’s progress, calling it a “far different agency” than the one that prompted the DOJ investigation in 2011. “The court is tremendously proud of the achievements the NOPD has made,” she said. However, Morgan rejected a last-minute request by the city to immediately terminate federal oversight, describing the move as “political gamesmanship” that undermined the credibility of city leadership.
Instead, Morgan upheld a September 2023 joint motion by the city and DOJ to establish a two-year sustainment period. This period will allow NOPD to address remaining issues and demonstrate that reforms are firmly embedded in its culture and practices.
NOPD’s Achievements Under Oversight
Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick highlighted the department’s accomplishments during the hearing, emphasizing the creation of a “new culture” within NOPD. Key achievements include:
- Increased Transparency: Policies and training materials are now publicly accessible, fostering greater accountability.
- Data-Driven Policing: Advanced analytics and audits help monitor officer behavior and detect patterns of misconduct.
- Enhanced Discipline: Strengthened processes have improved accountability for officers who violate department policies.
“This police department is truly a world-class organization,” Kirkpatrick said. “What’s important during this two-year period is that we stay the course. There will be no pulling back—it’s just going forward.”
Lingering Challenges
While progress has been made, several critical issues remain unresolved, highlighting the need for continued oversight:
1. Racial Disparities in Policing
The city’s Independent Police Monitor reported that nearly 90% of police use-of-force incidents in 2022 involved Black individuals, despite the city being just over 50% Black. Federal monitors concluded that these disparities do not stem from bias but acknowledged the need for deeper analysis.
To address this, NOPD plans to hire Sigma Squared, a consulting firm co-founded by Harvard economist Roland Fryer, to refine its data analysis capabilities. Fryer’s company uses proprietary software to distinguish between disparities and bias, helping departments adopt more equitable practices.
2. Challenges in Sex Crime Investigations
NOPD’s handling of sex crime cases has drawn criticism due to high caseloads and low clearance rates. While the department recently added eight detectives to its sex crimes unit, bringing the total to 25, advocates like Julie Ford argue that more resources and improved processes are needed to restore trust and ensure justice for victims.
3. Community Engagement
Efforts to establish community advisory boards, a key component of the consent decree, have stalled. These boards are intended to foster dialogue between residents and police, building trust and ensuring community voices are heard. While the city recently appointed a full-time staffer to revive the initiative, watchdog groups emphasize the importance of sustained engagement to ensure lasting change.
Community Concerns and Activism
The sustainment period has sparked mixed reactions from community members and activists. Marvin Arnold, an organizer with Eye on Surveillance, criticized the public comment process, arguing that community concerns were not adequately addressed. “The public comment was a dog and pony show,” he said.
However, other activists, like Belden “Noonie Man” Batiste of New Orleans United Front, welcomed the judge’s decision to extend oversight. “Going to sustainment, that’s something,” Batiste said, noting that the additional two years of monitoring provide a safeguard against potential regression.
Stella Cziment, head of the city’s Independent Police Monitor, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of public involvement. “The work is not done, and we need the community to recognize that and to continue engaging,” she said.
Political and Legal Tensions
The transition has also exposed political rifts. Mayor LaToya Cantrell criticized the sustainment period, claiming that NOPD had met its reform goals “years ago.” However, City Council President J.P. Morrell condemned Cantrell’s push for immediate termination, describing it as “dastardly” and “offensive.”
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, a vocal critic of federal oversight, pledged to appeal the judge’s ruling, arguing that the program imposes excessive financial burdens on the city.
Looking Ahead: The Sustainment Period
Over the next two years, the DOJ will continue monitoring NOPD’s progress to ensure reforms are sustained. Key priorities during the sustainment period include:
- Addressing racial disparities in use of force.
- Improving the handling of sex crime cases.
- Revitalizing community advisory boards and fostering public trust.
Federal monitoring will include regular audits, policy reviews, and data analysis to ensure NOPD meets its obligations. Superintendent Kirkpatrick emphasized that the department is committed to maintaining momentum. “There will be no pulling back—it’s just going forward,” she said.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
The decision to extend federal oversight represents a balanced approach, allowing NOPD to build on its progress while addressing persistent challenges. For New Orleans, the sustainment period offers an opportunity to solidify reforms, rebuild trust with the community, and set a national example of police transformation.
While significant work remains, the city’s journey underscores the importance of collaboration, accountability, and community engagement in achieving lasting change.
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