ST. LOUIS – A federal judge approved an agreement Tuesday between Ferguson and the U.S. Justice Department that calls for sweeping changes in the Missouri city where 18-year-old Michael Brown was fatally shot by a police officer.
U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry issued her ruling after a public hearing of several hours in St. Louis, where nearly three dozen people spoke, and many others had submitted written comments. Perry said the settlement is a “reasonable resolution” that avoids an extensive court battle.
“I think it’s in everyone’s best interest and I think it’s in the interest of justice,” she said.
The settlement calls for diversity training for police; the purchase of software and the hiring of staff to analyze records on arrests, use of force and other police matters; outfitting all officers and jail workers with body cameras; the hiring of a team to monitor progress; significant municipal court reforms; and other changes.
Mayor James Knowles III said after the hearing that the city has already implemented many reforms, and will act swiftly on others to “move into compliance as soon as possible.” During the hearing, Knowles told Perry the agreement “is an important step in bringing this community together and moving us forward.”