Judge approves monitoring plan for Seattle police

SEATTLE -- A federal judge has approved an independent monitor's plan for reforming the Seattle Police Department, following a finding by the Justice Department that officers engaged in a "pattern or practice" of using excessive force.

The Seattle Times reported that U.S. District Judge James Robart accepted the plan by monitor Merrick Bobb on Tuesday. It sets deadlines and tasks on topics ranging from use of force to crisis intervention.

The plan provides a road map for department reform that could take up to five years.

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and Police Chief John Diaz initially objected to some elements of the plan. In the end city lawyers and federal prosecutors urged the judge to approve it.