The City of New Orleans Ethics Review Board has announced it is seeking applicants for the position of Independent Police Monitor. The monitor will be responsible for overseeing the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), with a focus on reviewing civilian and internal complaints, monitoring internal investigations, discipline, use of force incidents, critical events, and in-custody deaths.
According to the board, “Under the authority established in the City Home Rule Charter, the OIPM shall monitor the New Orleans Police Department, particularly in the areas of: civilian and internally-generated complaints, internal investigations, discipline, uses of force, critical incidents and in-custody deaths. The Office of Independent Police Monitor shall also review and analyze the numbers and types of complaints; assess the quality and timeliness of New Orleans Police Department investigations; review the adequacy of data collection and analysis; review the New Orleans Police Department Public Integrity Bureau’s policies, procedures, and resource needs; conduct risk management reviews; review the operations and effectiveness of New Orleans Police Department ‘early warning system’; review specific issues regarding supervision, training, and discipline; and conduct relevant pattern analysis.”
The position requires candidates to be attorneys with significant experience in criminal law, civil rights law or labor law—or have at least five years’ experience in law enforcement oversight. Preference will be given to those holding a graduate degree. Knowledge about police internal investigations and use-of-force cases is considered essential.
As stated by city officials: “The independent police monitor shall possess impeccable integrity, sound judgment, and an ability to relate effectively with all those who have a stake in law enforcement including, but not limited to, residents of and visitors to New Orleans, the police department, other law enforcement agencies, and relevant parts of city government. The monitor shall possess an understanding of the city’s ethnic diversity, cultural traditions, and socio-economic situation.”
The appointment will begin on or after April 11, 2026. The term lasts four years with possible reappointment for subsequent terms at the discretion of the Ethics Review Board. Compensation will range from $150,000 to $180,000 annually.
Interested applicants are instructed to send a resume along with a letter of application and college transcripts as a single PDF file by April 1st to Dane S. Ciolino at dane@daneciolino.com.
Further information about responsibilities can be found within Article XIV Section 2-1121 of the City Code. Details about this search are also available through the ERB’s official brochure.