NEW ORLEANS, LA – In a moment city officials described as “historic” and residents described as “we’ll see,” a federal judge formally ended the New Orleans Police Department’s long-running consent decree this week. The ruling frees the department from more than a decade of federal supervision, a milestone the city says reflects major reform and a milestone the department’s chief says she has been “waiting on since the Truman era.”
Standing at the podium with her reading glasses hanging from a beaded chain, the chief said NOPD is entering a new chapter defined by accountability, transparency, and “finally getting home in time for my stories.” She assured the public the department is ready for independent operation, noting that many improvements are now “baked into the culture,” much like her nightly bowl of stewed prunes.
The chief thanked the federal monitors for their service, offering them a signed copy of her favorite crossword puzzle. She ended the press conference by announcing her plans to celebrate the reform milestone with “a warm beverage, a comfortable recliner, and a nap so powerful it might make the evening news.”
City officials insist the department is ready. Residents are cautiously optimistic, except those who overheard the chief ask reporters if the celebration would include pudding.
