As Michael B. Nifong, the disgraced former prosecutor in the Duke lacrosse rape case, reported to jail in Durham, N.C., today to serve 24 hours for criminal contempt, the three students he accused were in talks with the city for a settlement of $30 million and a package of law enforcement reforms.

A person familiar with the negotiations confirmed the details of the demand, first reported by The Herald-Sun of Durham. If the city refuses, the students are threatening to file a civil rights lawsuit.

The changes requested by the students and their lawyers include police department oversight by an independent commission, stricter procedures and videotaping of witness identifications conducted by the police, and the passage of a City Council resolution calling on the state to establish ombudsmen for district attorney’s offices and require the transcription of grand jury proceedings.

“These families are absolutely adamant” that the settlement must include reforms, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the negotiations are continuing. Beverly B. Thompson, a spokeswoman for the city, declined to discuss the talks.