New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced the settlement of three federal civil rights lawsuits stemming from city police actions related to Hurricane Katrina.
Landrieu joined city officials and the families of James Brissette, Henry Glover, Ronald Madison, and Raymond Robair to announce the settlements, in which 17 claimants will receive a little more than $13 million.
The settlements stem from fatal police shootings of unarmed people in the chaotic days following Hurricane Katrina.
“Today, we acknowledge a dark moment in our history. The brutal Henry Glover, Danziger Bridge and Raymond Robair incidents left us all disappointed and ashamed,” Landrieu said in the announcement released by his office. “On behalf of the City, we are so sorry these families have had to endure this hurt. After over 11 years, we have reached a settlement with these victims and families to take responsibility and begin healing. At the completion of the criminal cases, the City Attorney and her team diligently worked to settle these three major civil lawsuits against the city. Now we can look forward and as best we can bring closure to this terrible and difficult period in our history.”
Landrieu said his office and the city council have made it a priority to resolve some of its long-term federal liabilities and old judgements. The City issued bonds this year in the amount of $10 million and will so again next year to satisfy legal judgments and pay legal liabilities.
The New Orleans Police Department is in the midst of the most comprehensive reform effort in the United States, according to Landrieu. When he took office, Landrieu invited the Department of Justice to partner with the City to strengthen and reform NOPD.
He said more than $50 million has been invested in completely transforming New Orleans Police Department. Major reforms have been initiated, including beefing up sex crime investigations, use of force investigations, and hiring and training practices.
Among other things, the Public Integrity Bureau has been strengthened to target misconduct, an independent police monitor has been added, the NOPD Crime Lab has been modernized and a Police Community Advisory Board has been created in each district to develop a formal partnership between police and residents.
Source: Associated Press, New Orleans Mayor’s Office
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