United States Department of Justice Pattern-or-Practice Investigations & Consent Decrees

The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) allows the Department of Justice (DOJ) to step in whenever it believes that a police department is engaging in “a pattern-or-practice of conduct” that deprives people of their constitutional rights.

After conducting an investigation — which can have varying degrees of community involvement — the Department can enter into a memorandum of understanding (“Settlement Agreement”) with the municipality that runs the department or file a lawsuit in federal court.

A “Consent Decree” is a negotiated agreement that requires the municipality to take a series of actions to address the constitutional violations identified during a DOJ investigation. It is entered as a court order that is enforceable by the court. The federal court judge will appoint an independent monitor to oversee implementation of the consent decree. The monitor will hire staff and set up an office for the duration of the decree.

A “Settlement Agreement” is an out-of-court resolution that requires a signed agreement, or memorandum of understanding, and performance by the defendant. Required periodic assessment of compliance or noncompliance is handled by consultation of the parties without involving a court. If there is a breach of contract by the defendant, the government may file a lawsuit to enforce the agreement. 

This page is dedicated to DOJ Consent Decrees.

The January 13, 2014 DOJ - Suffolk County Memorandum of Understanding “Settlement Agreement” is covered separately on the DOJ Agreement page.

Civil Action No. 77-C-1881 GCP - U.S. DOJ v Nassau County. Filed September 21, 1977

1982 DOJ - Nassau County Consent Decree - Entered April 21, 1982
Allegations: that Nassau County was engaging in a pattern or practice of employment discrimination against Blacks, Hispanics and females with respect to job opportunities in the Nassau County Police Department.

June 9, 1983 Consent Order
Offers of employment and back pay to be provided to enumerated candidates.

May 22, 1990 Consent Order
Additional stipulations

Civil Action No. 83-C-2737 - U.S. DOJ v Suffolk County. Filed June 24, 1983

1986 DOJ - Suffolk County Consent Decree - Entered September 12, 1986
Allegations: that Suffolk County was engaging in a pattern or practice of employment discrimination against women, Blacks, Hispanics with respect to job opportunities in the Suffolk County Police Department.