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The Department of Justice (DOJ) opened this investigation into the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) on April 15, 1996. The DOJ sought more information about allegations of excessive force, illegal searches, and illegal seizures. This investigation followed soon after an FBI investigation of corruption within the NOPD; the FBI's investigation had resulted in 13 arrests and prosecutions.
The DOJ ultimately did not find a pattern or practice of constitutional violations within the NOPD, although it did issue a letter recommending certain reforms. The DOJ issued another letter in 2003 concluding that the NOPD successfully addressed the issues raised in its earlier letter. The investigation was formally closed on March 24, 2004.
Summary Authors
Hank Minor (12/18/2022)
Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 2:36 p.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory: Louisiana
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Closing Date: March 24, 2004
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
U.S. Department of Justice
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Attorney Organizations:
U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
New Orleans Police Department (New Orleans, Orleans), City
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Violent Crime and Law Enforcement Act, 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (previously 42 U.S.C. § 14141)
Constitutional Clause(s):
Unreasonable search and seizure
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: None Yet / None
Nature of Relief:
Source of Relief:
Issues
General:
Policing: