A Brief History of NACOLE

In 1993, several mem-bers of the U.S.delegation to the International Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (IACOLE) conference in Cambridge, Massachusetts met to discuss issues of mutual concern relating to civilian oversight within the United Sates. The agenda of this meeting was the formation of a national organization to address the specific needs of civilians organized for law enforcement over-sight.

At the 1994 IACOLE conference in Orlando, Florida, U.S. delegates continued to discuss the creation of the new national organization. In April of 1995, a group of individuals met in Landover, Maryland and approved the articles of incorporation and preliminary bylaws. On May 16, 1995, the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) began its operations. As NACOLE continues to grow, the relationship between police and community - particularly the minority community -continues to be one of the most critical social issues facing this country. The number of civilian oversight agencies in the U.S. has significantly increased. Of the nation’s 100 largest cities, 71 have citizen review mechanisms. Since 1996, NACOLE has assisted more than 20 cities in their establishment of systems. 

NACOLE recognizes that the majority of law enforcement officers strive, often under dangerous and demanding circumstances, to carry out their duties in a restrained, lawful and professional manner. Despite this, the United States has a growing crisis of police misconduct. Citizens want to feel secure that police officers are in the community to serve and protect all citizens of that community. We believe that citizens have a right to assurance that adequate mechanisms are available to review and investigate questionable or unacceptable actions of law enforcement officers.