NEW ORLEANS — The city of New Orleans can finally police itself again.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan on Wednesday ended her 12-year oversight of the New Orleans Police Department, saying "the city has achieved substantial compliance with the consent decree."

"I'm confident the NOPD will maintain the reforms it has implemented, meet the challenges it still faces, and in fact be a model for the entire country," Morgan said.

A group of protesters picketed outside the Loyola Law School building where Morgan held her final consent decree hearing. They opposed the decision to end federal monitoring.

"We want justice…justice for every mother…justice for everyone," protesters chanted.

Inside, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick told the court and assembled guests it's a proud day for Ne

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