The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced plans to terminate federal police reform agreements with the cities of Minneapolis and Louisville. These consent decrees, initiated during the Biden administration, were designed to address systemic issues in policing following the 2020 deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
DOJ’s Rationale for Termination
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, leading the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, stated that the department is moving away from federal oversight of local police departments. She criticized the consent decrees as being overly broad and costly, arguing that they imposed unnecessary federal control over local policing. Dhillon emphasized that police reform should be managed at the local level to ensure community-specific solutions.
Local Responses to DOJ’s Decision
Despite the DOJ’s withdrawal, both Minneapolis and Louisville officials have expressed commitment to continuing police reform efforts independently:
- Minneapolis: Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara affirmed their dedication to implementing the reforms outlined in the now-defunct federal agreement. They plan to proceed with the terms of the consent decree, emphasizing the city’s responsibility to its residents.
- Louisville: Mayor Craig Greenberg announced the city’s intention to maintain reform initiatives through a local framework called the “Community Commitment.” This plan incorporates objectives from the former federal consent decree and includes measures for accountability and transparency. The city has allocated $750,000 for an external monitor to oversee these efforts.
Reactions from Civil Rights Advocates
The DOJ’s decision has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates and community leaders:
- Attorney Ben Crump, representing the families of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, described the move as a “slap in the face,” emphasizing that the consent decrees were vital for communities seeking justice and reform.
- Selwyn Jones, George Floyd’s uncle, expressed disappointment, stating that the decision undermines the progress made since his nephew’s death. He called for continued advocacy to achieve meaningful change in policing practices.
Broader Implications
The DOJ’s action marks a significant shift in federal policy regarding police oversight. In addition to terminating the agreements with Minneapolis and Louisville, the department is closing investigations into several other police departments, including those in Phoenix, Memphis, and the Louisiana State Police. This move reflects the Trump administration’s broader approach to reduce federal involvement in local policing matters.
As the nation approaches the five-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death, the debate over the role of federal oversight in police reform continues. While the DOJ steps back, cities like Minneapolis and Louisville are striving to uphold commitments to reform, signaling a complex landscape for the future of policing in America.
