City, feds fear delays in police reform case

The city of New Orleans and the federal government want to limit the role of various groups that hope to help shape federally enforced reforms in the scandal-plagued New Orleans Police Department.

An agreement was announced last month that would settle a Justice Department complaint against the city. But it requires approval of a federal judge, who is to hold a hearing on Aug. 29.

New Orleans' independent police monitor, a community group called Community United for Change and two police officer associations have asked to be added to the case as intervening parties. Lawyers for the city and the Justice Department say anyone can file comments with the federal court, but allowing anyone else to formally intervene in the case could result in unnecessary delays.