Fed monitor says changing NYPD culture a challenge

NEW YORK (AP) — The federal monitor overseeing changes to the New York City Police Department's stop-and-frisk program says the department has done good work setting new policy, but putting it into practice will be a challenge.

Peter Zimroth released a status report today. A federal judge in 2013 ruled the practice violated the civil rights of minorities. Zimroth said the police department has distributed a new patrol guide that prohibits biased-based policing, and put into use new training for recruits and current officers. A new stop-report form is being tested.

But the challenge will be to ensure the written changes are carried out. Zimroth says he's discovered in focus groups that many officers and higher-ups do not understand what is expected of them.

He says the task is large and will take time to accomplish.