Police take cover after gunfire near a protest in Ferguson in 2015.
Jeff Roberson / AP
The city of Ferguson, Missouri, would have to become more transparent and accountable to the community it serves under a proposed settlement released Wednesday that sets the terms for federal oversight.
Under the proposed settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, Ferguson police would continue to reorient its law enforcement strategy to include more input from, and accountability to, a diverse set of community members, including those federal officials say have long been sidelined.
Jeff Roberson / AP
Ferguson became embroiled in civic unrest and protests after the shooting of unarmed black teen Michael Brown on Aug. 9, 2014, by a white officer, Darren Wilson.
Wilson was eventually cleared in the shooting, an outcome that cemented the city as a focal point in the national discussion over race and police excessive force.
An internal investigation also found a pattern of racial bias in the police department. Officials were found to have focused policing efforts on raising revenue by levying fees and tickets mostly on the majority black city population.
The proposed settlement states that its provisions "are meant to ensure protection of the constitutional and other legal rights of all members of the community, improve Ferguson’s ability to effectively prevent crime, enhance both officer and public safety, and increase public confidence in the Ferguson Police Department."
This is a developing story. Check back for additional information on the specific reforms proposed by the settlement and follow BuzzFeed News on Twitter.
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