LOUISIANA : U.S. Reopens Probe of Police Misconduct

The Justice Department has reopened an investigation into allegations of misconduct in the New Orleans Police Department, a department official said. The inquiry will focus on allegations of police brutality, especially on the basis of race, said an official who asked to remain anonymous. Justice Department officials including Assistant Atty. Gen. Deval Patrick, head of the civil rights division, visited New Orleans last week to advise officials of the action. Police Supt. Richard Pennington said the investigation would validate changes made in the department since he took over in October 1994.