Ordinance Establishes Independent Monitor of the New Orleans Police Department
 
 
Recently, a diverse group of citizens—including Norris, Ursula, Lucas and I from our group—joined local police officials and association leaders in unanimously supporting one of the measures essential to freeing our city from the distrust based on race and class that has crippled New Orleans. By a 7-0 vote, the city council approved an ordinance authored by Councilman James Carter that establishes an independent monitor of the New Orleans Police Department.

Levels of trust between the police department and residents and leaders of some of our neighborhoods have been at such a low level that many residents are unwilling to report criminal acts or testify in court because they feel that they have been treated disrespectfully by police or that they will not be protected from thugs threatening them. In such a climate of distrust and fear, community policing has little chance of success. The independent police monitor will play a major role in building the bridges of trust and cooperation in those situations that will make strong community policing possible. Those like ourselves who are committed to the reform of our public institutions can be further encouraged by the fact that Councilman Carter’s ordinance provides that the independent police monitor will be accountable to the inspector general.

The passage of this ordinance sets the stage for our work to pass the charter amendment that will protect the inspector general and independent monitor from political pressures from future councils or mayors.

Repairing the breach between NOPD and many citizens of New Orleans will certainly be a major contribution to the well being of our city.