Current:Home > InvestJustice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing -NextFrontier Finance
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
View
Date:2025-04-14 16:11:10
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department and the city of Louisville have reached an agreement to reform the city’s police force after an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor, officials said Thursday.
The consent decree, which must be approved by a judge, follows a federal investigation that found Louisville police have engaged in a pattern of violating constitutional rights and discrimination against the Black community.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said the “historic content decree” will build upon and accelerate, this transformational police reform we have already begun in Louisville.” He noted that “significant improvements” have already been implemented since Taylor’s death in March 2020. That includes a city law banning the use of “no-knock” warrants.
The Justice Department report released in March 2023 said the Louisville police department “discriminates against Black peoplein its enforcement activities,” uses excessive force and conducts searches based on invalid warrants. It also said the department violates the rights of people engaged in protests.
“This conduct harmed community members and undermined public trust in law enforcement that is essential for public safety,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, who leads the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This consent decree marks a new day for Louisville.”
Once the consent decree is agreed upon, a federal officer will monitor the progress made by the city.
The Justice Department under the Biden administration opened 12 civil rights investigations into law enforcement agencies, but this is the first that has reached a consent decree. The Justice Department and the city of Springfield, Massachusetts announced an agreement in 2022 but the investigation into that police department was opened under President Donald Trump’s first administration.
City officials in Memphis have taken a different approach, pushing against the need for a Justice Department consent decree to enact reforms in light of a federal investigation launched after Tyre Nichols’ killing that found Memphis officers routinely use unwarranted force and disproportionately target Black people. Memphis officials have not ruled eventually agreeing to a consent decree, but have said the city can make changes more effectively without committing to a binding pact.
It remains to be seen what will happen to attempts to reach such agreements between cities and the Justice Department once President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House. The Justice Department under the first Trump administration curtailed the use of consent decrees, and the Republican president-elect is expected to again radically reshape the department’s priorities around civil rights.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
veryGood! (4644)
Related
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Former NFL Player Jacoby Jones Dead at 40
- A timeline of the assassination attempt on former President Trump
- Mission to the Titanic to document artifacts and create 3D model of wreckage launches from Rhode Island
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- Winston, beloved gorilla at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, dies at 52 after suffering health problems
- Shannen Doherty Dead at 53 After Cancer Battle
- Richard Simmons, a fitness guru who mixed laughs and sweat, dies at 76
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott demands answers as customers remain without power after Beryl
Ranking
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- NASCAR at Pocono 2024: Start time, TV, streaming, lineup for Great American Getaway 400
- What’s worse than thieves hacking into your bank account? When they steal your phone number, too
- Richard Simmons, Dr. Ruth interview goes viral after their deaths; stars post tributes
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Thousands of fish found dead in California lake, puzzling authorities
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Dinnertime (Freestyle)
- MLB draft prospects with famous bloodlines carry weight of monster expectations
Recommendation
Could your smelly farts help science?
Judge dismisses Rudy Giuliani's bankruptcy case, clearing way for collectors to pursue debts
Man gets life in prison over plot to rape and murder famous British TV personality in case cracked by undercover U.S. cop
Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter case dismissed in Rust shooting
This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
‘Despicable Me 4’ reigns at box office, while ‘Longlegs’ gets impressive start
The Secret Service is investigating how a gunman who shot and injured Trump was able to get so close
USA vs Australia: Time, TV channel, streaming for USA Basketball Showcase game