Judge Karen Dooley dissolves Cintron, ruling all pending violations inconsequential. She affirms the intention of the consent decree, and recommends that future efforts of police reform move within the powers of “the police department itself, the City of Hartford, and the greater Hartford community.”

Plaintiffs file a motion for contempt and respond to an order to show cause in an attempt to prevent Cintron from dissolving. Defendants oppose both documents, arguing that the HPD has made substantial progress and reforms in recent years.

In July of 2020, following the rising Black Lives Matter protests and national outcry against racial violence, Hartford council members again request that the federal court hold on sunsetting Cintron. During this time, the Connecticut state legislature signed into law the Police Accountability Act. This relatively impressive piece of reformative legislation includes both performative measures and forceful ones, such as curbing qualified immunity.

Judge Bryant denies plaintiffs’ motion for contempt as premature. HPD comes under fire for inadequately investigating sexual harassment allegations within the force.

Plaintiffs file a motion for contempt alleging that there has been no improvement in HPD diversity since the consent decree was enacted, among other violations.

The HPD initiates a recruiting campaign aimed at increasing racial diversity on the force. Mayor Luke Bronin says that the current HPD recruiting class may be the most diverse group hired by the department, with “10 women and 5 ethnic minorities.” (Source)

Hartford City Council passes a resolution requesting the court not sunset the consent decree until the HPD solves several internal issues.

Both Cintron parties enter into a new settlement agreement, generally referred to as the “2010 Agreement,” requiring the defendants to revise several procedural protocols. The settlement stipulates that both parties agree to resolve future disputes outside of legal intervention, to the best of their abilities.

Special Master Bieder submits his second report concerning FDBI issues, specifically the investigations of three shootings that occurred from 2003-2004 including the Murtha shooting. Judge Burns approves Bieder’s contempt findings on several counts. Sanctions consist of a requirement for updated guidelines and training to fix said issues.

Following an extensive investigation, Special Master Bieder files a report finding the HPD in violation of five provisions of the 2004 Order. Judge Burns agrees with three of these, and affirms Bieder’s suggested sanctions, including a required public relations campaign to inform citizens about the complaint procedure.