By Suzie Ziegler
WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) on Thursday announced new resources on civilian oversight for policing.
The reports are part of an ongoing effort by the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) to improve and assist civilian oversight across the country, according to the release.
“As the policies, procedures and training requirements of law enforcement agencies across the country have become an increasing focus of the national discussion on law enforcement, these publications couldn’t be more timely,” said Robert Chapman, acting director of the COPS Office, in a statement. “Not only do the reports cover every aspect of civilian oversight, but the nine case studies provide detailed examples of how the process works in different agencies. Other agencies wishing to develop or refine their own oversight efforts will find this information extremely useful.”
The new reports include:
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The Evolution and Growth of Civilian Oversight: Key Principles for Effectiveness and Sustainability,
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And nine case studies of civilian oversight in the following cities: Atlanta, Cambridge(Mass.), Denver, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Washington.
The reports cover multiple aspects of civilian oversight, including budgets, community outreach, the role of law enforcement agencies and evaluating oversight efforts, according to the release.