It’s been 13 years, but as of Thursday, March 31, the Detroit Police Department is finally finished with federal oversight.
Back in 2003, DPD was placed under government watch because of accusations of excessive force and illegal arrests.
Back in August of 2014, much of that federal oversight was removed, including the monitor position. There’s been a transitional period for the last 18 months, which included regular reports and internal audits.
It officially concluded with Thursday’s judgment.
Between the years of 1995-2000, DPD killed nearly 50 people. Once the new regulations and oversight were implemented, the number dropped to 18 between 2009-2014.
Judge Avern Cohn noted in his ruling, “DPD has met its obligations under the Transition Agreement by maintaining and working to improve on the Consent Judgment’s reforms. Further, the parties have discussed the City’s and DPD’s plans to ensure that the people of Detroit continue to receive constitutional and effective policing after federal oversight ends.”
