Justice Department pushes police reform, but what will make the changes last?

Last week, the Justice Department issued an agreement with the city of Cleveland, detailing many changes that must be made to the police department’s policies and practices. Read about the Justice Department’s agreements with Cleveland and other cities at themarshalproject.org.

These mandated changes are a step in the right direction. But, changing police practices is difficult. Police supervisors must be vigilant to prevent backsliding. Members of the public have to keep an eye on the police department to prevent a return to old ways. The Justice Department should better monitor and enforce their reforms. For reforms to be effective, the police department and the community must resist pressure from police officers and their unions.