Delayed because of the New Year's Day Bourbon St. attack, a federal judge today hears the joint motion by the Department of Justice and city of New Orleans to begin the end of the consent decree.
The Department of Justice and the city of New Orleans entered into the consent decree agreement in January 2013.
"Twelve years later, the judge is considering moving the police department into the second and final phase of the consent decree," said New Orleans Metro Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche. "The Department of Justice has agreed with the city of New Orleans that the New Orleans Police Department is, in fact, in substantial compliance."
Goyeneche says that final phase, sustainment, is the NOPD's opportunity to show it can continue without federal oversight. He credits Chief Ann Kirkpatrick, barely more than a year into the job, for making it happen
"She's done everything in her power and exceeded the expectations of many people, including myself," Goyeneche said.
This hearing was supposed to happen last week, but the city asked for a delay after the terror attack on Bourbon St. on New Year's Day.