By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-958238.mp3
New Orleans, La. – The Justice Department's civil rights division found New Orleans police have routinely used excessive force, racial profiling and conducted unconstitutional searches. Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez says while some progress has been made under a new mayor and police superintendent, the problems run deep.
"Our investigation has shown show that the problems and challenges confronting the NOPD are serious, wide-ranging, systemic and deeply rooted in the culture of the department."
Federal and city officials are expected to begin negotiations on a consent decree to formalize improvements overseen by a federal judge.
For WWNO, I'm Eileen Fleming.