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Ferguson, Feds Reach Police Reform Deal

131-page document released online.

Ferguson, Missouri, city officials said Wednesday they’ve reached a tentative deal with the U.S. Department of Justice on proposed police reforms in the wake of the fatal police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown in 2014. Under the agreement, all patrol officers, supervisors, and jail workers will be required to wear body cameras and microphones, while squad cars will also be outfitted with the equipment within 180 days. The cameras have to be recording for all traffic stops, arrests, searches, and encounters with people who may be experiencing a mental-health crisis. Ferguson officials also agreed to change its municipal code to repeal a policy that authorizes jail time for people who fail to pay fines for violations. The 131-page agreement was posted on the city’s website, giving residents a chance to voice their opinions on the proposal at three public sessions scheduled over the next two weeks. A City Council vote is slated for Feb. 9.