Justice Department and Louisville Reach Police Reform Agreement

The U.S. Justice Department has reached a consent decree with the city of Louisville to reform its police force following a federal investigation into the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor. This agreement, termed a 'historic consent decree' by Mayor Craig Greenberg, aims to address patterns of discrimination and constitutional rights violations against the Black community by Louisville police. Significant reforms, including a ban on 'no-knock' warrants, have already been implemented since Taylor's death in March 2020. The Justice Department's March 2023 report highlighted the department's use of excessive force and invalid warrants, undermining community trust in law enforcement. This consent decree is the first such agreement under the Biden administration and is pending judicial approval. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clark emphasized that this marks a 'new day for Louisville,' aiming to restore public safety and trust.