New Orleans officials have started a nationwide search for a new independent police monitor, a move that could bring a leadership change at an important moment for the city’s police oversight system.
The decision comes as the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) recently emerged from more than a decade of federal oversight. The role of the independent monitor is considered crucial in ensuring that police reforms continue and that the department remains accountable to the public.
New Search for Independent Police Monitor Begins
The New Orleans Ethics Review Board launched the national search last month.
The current independent police monitor, Stella Cziment, is nearing the end of her four-year term, which expires in April. According to city officials, she has not yet decided whether she will apply again for the position.
Under the city’s Home Rule Charter, the Ethics Review Board has two options when a monitor’s term ends:
- Reappoint the current monitor
- Conduct a nationwide search for candidates
Since Cziment has not confirmed that she will seek another term, the board decided to move forward with a national search.
Dane Ciolino, the board’s general counsel and executive administrator, said the board hopes Cziment will still apply but must continue with the hiring process regardless.
Possible New Restrictions on Future Monitors
At the same time, the Ethics Review Board is considering a rule that could affect future police monitors.
The proposed rule would prevent police monitors from:
- Running for public office
- Serving in political roles
- Accepting political appointments
The restriction would last for four years after their term ends.
City officials say the idea is meant to keep the position independent and free from political influence.
A similar rule already applies to the city’s Office of Inspector General, which is also overseen by the Ethics Review Board.
Debate Over First Amendment Rights
The possible restriction has sparked debate.
Cziment submitted a memo arguing that the proposed rule could violate constitutional rights.
The memo, written by attorney Sharonda Williams, states that banning monitors from certain jobs or political roles could violate First Amendment protections.
It also argues that preventing someone from pursuing employment after leaving the role could conflict with Louisiana’s public policy regarding workers’ rights.
So far, city leaders have not announced whether the rule will be officially adopted.
New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell has not commented publicly on the proposal.
Previous Monitors Entered Politics
Part of the discussion around the restriction relates to past monitors who later ran for public office.
Two former members of the office later won elected positions:
| Name | Former Role | Current Position |
|---|---|---|
| Susan Hutson | Independent Police Monitor (2010–2021) | Orleans Parish Sheriff |
| Simone Levine | Deputy Monitor (2010–2016) | Orleans Parish Criminal Court Judge |
Supporters of the proposed rule say it could help maintain the perception that the office operates without political ambitions.
Cziment’s Leadership During Major Reform Period
Stella Cziment became interim independent police monitor in 2021 and was officially appointed to the role in 2022.
Her leadership came during a major transition for the New Orleans Police Department.
For more than a decade, the department operated under a federal consent decree that required sweeping reforms.
The agreement was introduced in 2012 after federal investigations found serious problems in policing practices.
In November, U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan ended the federal oversight, declaring that the department had made enough progress to move forward independently.
Role of the Police Monitor in Accountability
The Office of the Independent Police Monitor (OIPM) plays a key role in overseeing police conduct and reviewing civilian complaints.
Although the office does not directly control police operations, it acts as an independent watchdog to ensure transparency and accountability.
According to the office’s January report, it has investigated 110 civilian complaints since 2021.
During the final stages of the federal reform agreement, the office also helped monitor progress and ensure that the department continued to meet reform standards.
Lead federal monitor Jonathan Aronie praised the office’s role when the consent decree ended.
He said the independent monitor would remain important in holding the police department accountable and ensuring the progress made during the reform process is not lost.
Future of Police Oversight in New Orleans
As the city moves beyond federal supervision, the independent police monitor will continue to play a vital role in maintaining public trust and transparency in policing.
The nationwide search launched by the Ethics Review Board signals the city’s effort to ensure strong and independent oversight going forward. Whether Stella Cziment decides to reapply or a new leader is selected, the position will remain central to ensuring that police reforms continue and that accountability remains a priority for the New Orleans Police Department.
