Ferguson reform may be swift with federal agreement approval
Source: Associated Press
Ferguson reform may be swift with federal agreement approval
Jim Salter, Associated Press
Updated 9:29 am, Wednesday, April 20, 2016
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Reforms are expected to begin quickly in Ferguson now that a federal judge has approved a settlement between the U.S. Department of Justice and the city where 18-year-old Michael Brown was fatally shot by a police officer.
Federal Judge Catherine Perry issued her ruling Tuesday approving the agreement after a lengthy public hearing in St. Louis. Perry called it a "reasonable resolution" that avoids an extensive court battle.
Mayor James Knowles III said the city has already implemented many reforms, and will act swiftly on others to "move into compliance as soon as possible." Some reforms are expected to be in place within 30 days, while the city has 60 days or 90 days on other components.
Ferguson has been under scrutiny since Brown, who was black and unarmed, was fatally shot by white Ferguson officer Darren Wilson in 2014. Brown's death was a catalyst in the national Black Lives Matter movement.
Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Ferguson-reform-may-be-swift-with-federal-7258989.php