WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — A judge in Ferguson on Monday announced that he will withdraw all arrest warrants issued prior to December 31, 2014 in the Missouri city in an attempt to restore confidence in the justice system.
"These changes should continue the process of restoring confidence in the Court, alleviating fears of the consequences of appearing in Court, and giving many residents a fresh start,” Ferguson Municipal Judge Donald McCullin said.
The order will withdraw all arrest warrants prior to December 2014 and set new conditions for pre-trial release, including not requiring bond for those unable to pay.
“Defendants will then be given new court dates along with alternative dispositions, such as payment plans, community service and/or commuting fines for indigent persons,” the court said.
Additionally, those active warrants which have been open for over five years will also be withdrawn.
In March, the US Department of Justice released a report into the criminal justice system in Ferguson following the death of young African-American Michael Brown at the hands of a white police officer.
The report found persistent civil rights violations in the city and a court system that prioritized revenue collection over public safety.
