The Importance of Independence for Effective Police Oversight

• In Event: Policy Panel: Strengthening Law Enforcement through Police Oversight

Abstract

Ms. Hutson currently heads the Office of the Independent Monitor (IPM) for the city of New Orleans, an agency which was implemented in 2009. In that capacity, Ms. Hutson and her staff are responsible for monitoring the New Orleans Police Department, particularly in the areas of civilian and internally-generated complaints, internal investigations into allegations of officer misconduct, disciplinary outcomes, officer uses of force, and in-custody deaths. The IPM also analyzes patterns in community complaints, makes recommendations relating to improving police polices, and actively conducts outreach to collect community concerns and inform the public about the complaint process. In her presentation, Ms. Hutson will discuss the operation of her agency, the legal authority enjoyed by her organization, and the strategies her agency uses to bring about effective oversight of the New Orleans Police Department. She will devote particular attention to the importance of independence for police oversight, and the potential ways in which the independence of oversight agencies can be undermined.

Author

• Susan Hutson, City of New Orleans