NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — After years of federal oversight, the New Orleans Police Department is entering the final phase of the consent decree. U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan ruled the department is ready to enter the sustainment period. The ruling marks a new chapter for the NOPD after operating under the federal consent decree for more than ten years. However, a late move by New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill almost upstaged the new development. Inside federal court Tuesday morning, Judge Morgan granted the requests of the city and the Department of Justice to begin the sustainment period of the consent decree. The sustainment period is a two-year probationary period in which there will be less federal oversight. Homicide investigation underway after remains found in Desire neighborhood Her ruling led to the praises of NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick and her officers. Judge Morgan said the department's policies have been revamped, leading to substantial compliance with the consent decree. "I mean, I want to say, first of all, this isn't just me as the superintendent,” said Kirkpatrick. "There are a lot of superintendents before me, and so I want to be sure that proper credit is given to everyone." The court did recognize that some community members believe the move is premature, but according to the judge, the sustainment plan will allow the NOPD two years to focus on areas of improvement that will be observed by the monitor and court.  “The fact that we don't have enough cases that are being quickly cleared in sexual assault cases is a major issue,” said New Orleans City Council Vice President Helena Moreno. “She also mentioned particular issues with domestic violence cases. How many times have you all covered those particular inquiries coming from the city council? So, there's still work to be done, but the sustainment period is a really big deal.” A month after the city filed a motion to begin sustainment, they filed a motion to terminate the consent decree. The judge denied the request, along with an additional motion that would allow Murrill to represent the city in the case. Latest FBI investigation revealed search history of New Year’s terror attack suspect Some city council members say they were blindsided by the about face.  “Everyone's been pulling in the same direction, moving towards sustainment, and just, it was just a dastardly last-minute kind of grasp that really, not only was kind of offensive but also just very confusing,” said New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell. The sustainment period is now underway, and the chief says she looks forward to achieving full compliance and regaining the community's trust. “What is important is that during this two-year period, we stay the course,” said Kirkpatrick. “My commitment is to reform mindedness, whether there's a consent or not.” In response to the ruling, Murrill released the following statement in announcing she plans on appealing the orders: Every minute of every day that NOPD is spending in federal court is time not spent focusing on protecting the public. The so-called “sustainment period” approved today is nothing more than a false and empty promise. NOPD deserves better. NOPD should have been released from federal court supervision two years ago. Instead, this morning, Judge Susie Morgan denied the City’s request for termination and expanded the list of things NOPD must do to get out. The judge also denied my request to enroll in the case and assist the City and NOPD. I look forward to appealing these orders in the Fifth Circuit. It is time to end this NOW. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Louisiana Remembers Nicole Perez Murphy and Williamson carry the Pelicans to a 119-113 win over the Bulls Jeremiah Lucas' 31 points powers Bonnabel to 58-53 win over Holy Cross Nature photographer charged with migrant smuggling A retro blue VW van miraculously survives deadly Los Angeles fire