A series of public meetings as well as court hearings on the NOPD consent decree will take place in November and December.
The New Orleans Police Department has been under a federal consent decree since January 2013.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell has said that consent decree has become a burden for officers and a hindrance in retention and recruitment efforts and requested an end to the federal oversight of the police department.
You can read what The New Orleans Tribune had to say about Mayor Cantrell’s request to end the federal consent decree here.
Meanwhile, Judge Susie Morgan does not appear inclined to end the consent decree any time soon. After a mid-August court hearing, Judge Morgan ordered increased monitoring, more meetings and more guidance related to the document and the guidance and procedures it sets forth to address a “number of patterns or practices of unconstitutional conduct” at NOPD.
Upcoming court hearings will be held a 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14 in Judge Susie Morgan’s courtroom (Room C-316) on the third floor of the United States District Court, 500 Poydras St. These proceedings are open to the public, but do not include opportunity for public comment. Upcoming court hearing dates include:
However, the public meetings are held to report on progress under the federal consent decree and allow for public questions and comments. Public meetings scheduled include:
• Wednesday, Nov. 9
6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
• Thursday, Nov. 10
12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.
East New Orleans Regional Library
5641 Read Blvd.
• Wednesday, Dec. 14
6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
• Thursday, December 15
12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Norman Mayer Library
3001 Gentilly Blvd.
You can read what The New Orleans Tribune had to say about Mayor Cantrell’s request to end the federal consent decree here.
