DOJ Pulls Out of Police Reform in Cities Tied to Breonna Taylor and George Floyd Killings

The U.S. Department of Justice is looking to pull back from court-enforced police reform agreements with Louisville, Kentucky and Minneapolis, Minnesota—two cities that became central to nationwide calls for police accountability after the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd in 2020.

These agreements, known as consent decrees, were designed to overhaul local policing practices following federal investigations that found civil rights violations. But years after being drafted, the DOJ is asking to dismiss both arrangements, citing delays and complications with court approvals.

While the Biden administration had pushed for the reforms, officials from both cities say they’re moving forward regardless of what happens in Washington. Leaders in Louisville and Minneapolis emphasized their commitment to making lasting changes, even without federal oversight.

If the consent decrees are eventually approved by federal judges, an independent monitor would oversee the implementation of police reforms. But even with the DOJ’s retreat, local governments say the mission to change policing practices is still in motion.