COLUMBUS, Ohio — The U.S. Department of Justice has accepted the city of Columbus' request to review its police department, the first step to a potential consent decree, according to Mayor Andrew Ginther's office. 

What You Need To Know

  • The city made the request in April following a number of high-profile incidents

  • The DOJ will review the department's practices, including training, recruitment and more

  • The review begins immediately, Ginther stated

The DOJ will provide assistance to the city's Community Oriented Policing Services Office. According to a press release Thursday, it will be the first time in the city's history that the DOJ will be involved with the COPS office. 

Ginther initally made the request in April, asking for a review of the department's policy reviews and evaluation, officer and leadership training, recruitment, technology and establishing an early intervention system for officers to detect and prevent racial bias. 

“This is an important day for the future of policing in Columbus,” Ginther said. “This is not about one particular officer, policy or incident; rather, this is about reforming the entire institution of policing in Columbus. I am confident in the partnership and the additional tools the DOJ’s COPS Office will bring to our city.”

Keith Ferrell, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police of Capital City Lodge #9, released a statement Thursday saying the group is open to dialogue on how to improve practices within the division. 

"We are confident in the leadership of Chief Bryant in that she will protect the intregrity of the department and maintain the level of services that the officers and the public deserve," the statement reads.

The review follows a number of high-profile incidents over the last year and half, including the death of Ma'Khia Bryant, 16, a Black teen who was shot and killed by a Columbus police officer on April 20 after she attempted to stab another young woman, according to authorities.

The officer who shot Bryant, Nicholas Reardon, has been taken off duty pending the investigation. He was hired in December 2019, according to the Columbus Division of Police. The investigation is still under review by the Franklin County prosecutor's office. 

In December 2020, former officer Adam Coy shot and killed Andre Hill, 47, inside a garage. Coy was fired and indicted on charges including murder. 

“This partnership has great potential to improve our community’s policing practices,” said City Attorney Zach Klein. “The resources and expertise of the DOJ will provide ways to improve the Division of Police, while supporting officers and giving them the tools to increase public safety for all Columbus residents, which is our ultimate goal."

Ginther stated the review will begin immediately. 

Related Stories