A judge has ruled that the federal government's ten-plus years of overseeing operations at the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) can come to an end.  The oversight was implemented in 2001 after a major scandal erupted.  The incident involved widespread corruption and a handful of abusive officers.

The city's mayor said he is thrilled that a department that was once a national example of how not to do things has become a strong, proud law enforcement agency.   A representative from the LAPD Protective League echoed the sentiment.  They are looking forward to shifting focus to how to increase their efficiencies while still being transparent to the public.

The LAPD was forced into federal oversight approximately 12 years ago after they were threatened with a lawsuit.  The federal government pointed to a series of civil rights violations that were being committed by unruly officers.  The story became a national news headline after reporters learned that officers within the Rampart Station beat and framed alleged gang members.

Many people agree the LAPD has since changed for the better.  In the late 80s and early 90s no one would have believed that the department would become a national model, said a former attorney for local community groups who supported the oversight.  Now these officers reportedly treat community members with the respect they deserve.