Federal judge approves decree to reform Baltimore PD, over DOJ objection

April 7 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Friday ratified a consent decree that orders sweeping reforms of the Baltimore Police Department -- a measure submitted at the end of former President Barack Obama's administration.

In a four-hour hearing on Thursday, U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar heard from Baltimore residents and community organizers, asking for approval of an agreement.

The city and the U.S. Justice Department, led at the time by Obama Attorney General Loretta Lynch, agreed on the terms of the decree after a federal investigation of city police and courts found numerous examples of racial discrimination, unconstitutional actions and excessive force.

The majority of those speaking at the hearing Friday were supportive of the consent decree.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2017/04/07/Federal-judge-approves-decree-to-reform-Baltimore-PD-over-DOJ-objection/9951491565494/