By JANET McCONNAUGHEY
Associated Press Writer
NEW ORLEANS -- The city’s police chief Thursday came out in support of an independent review board to investigate police shootings, a demand made by black ministers after a black man was killed by officers earlier this week.
Police Superintendent Warren Riley met with the ministers for nearly two hours and said afterward that he will back their request to the City Council for an independent review process.
The meeting came three days after police shot and killed Anthony Hayes, 38, who was wielding a hunting knife. Hayes’ confrontation with 18 officers _ but not the shooting itself _ was taped by at least three bystanders. Relatives told TV reporters that Hayes battled schizophrenia.
The Rev. Norwood Thompson Jr., a member of the national board of the Southern Christian Leadership Council, said he hopes to get the request for a review board on the agenda for the next City Council meeting.
“I think he’s a very intelligent, bright young man who will be a good superintendent of police,” Thompson said of Riley. “I think he will be one of the best this city has produced.”
Hayes’ death follows the Oct. 8 videotaped beating of a retired teacher in the French Quarter. The beating led to the firing of two officers last week.
The Police Department has been beset by desertions, firings and allegations of looting since Hurricane Katrina.