An external agency will investigate complaints against NOPD, with 2 against the chief

Mocobizscene- The city of New Orleans has taken steps to address potential conflicts of interest by enlisting the assistance of an external firm to investigate two complaints filed against Anne Kirkpatrick, the Police Department’s recently appointed superintendent.

Two official grievances were filed against Chief Kirkpatrick by members of the public on November 9, shortly after she was confirmed as superintendent by the City Council. One of the complaints is regarding an alleged uniform violation that occurred on September 29, while the other accuses Kirkpatrick of lying on the job on October 5.

The NOPD has chosen to uphold its policy by not releasing any information about the complaints to the public.

Members of the NOPD typically have complaints filed against them investigated by the department’s Public Integrity Bureau. The bureau conducts a thorough investigation and presents its findings to the superintendent for potential disciplinary action, if warranted.

During the City Council meeting on Monday, officials from PIB expressed their intention to outsource the investigation of complaints in order to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.

The council is set to vote on a proposed contract with The Connor Group during their Feb. 1 meeting. The contract, which involves a team of lawyers led by former assistant U.S. attorney Karl Connor, specifies a budget of up to $15,000 in taxpayer funds.

The Connor Group has successfully managed similar responsibilities for the city in the past, serving under former mayors Ray Nagin and Mitch Landrieu.

The Connor Group will handle a third complaint against an officer involved in a departmental investigation, as there is a potential conflict of interest within the department. The specific officer who is accused in this complaint remains unclear.

The NOPD chose not to provide a comment, stating that the agency does not discuss ongoing investigations.

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