Justice Department Ends Police Reform, Fueling Concerns Over Accountability
The Trump administration is seeking to dismiss federal oversight agreements with Louisville and Minneapolis police departments, following the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, respectively, and is closing investigations into several other police departments. This action reflects the administration’s opposition to consent decrees, which mandate police reform, arguing they undermine local control. While the Justice Department claims local agreements are sufficient, Louisville and Minneapolis have affirmed their commitment to continued reform efforts despite the federal government’s withdrawal. The DOJ states that it will review all open consent decrees, but maintains that future agreements may be warranted under specific circumstances.
John Q. Hosedrinker