Urgent Priorities to Further Our Reform Efforts
The field of oversight of law enforcement has grown significantly in the last few years. With it, the needs of practitioners and communities looking to establish civilian oversight have also grown; the current national outcry for police reform has accelerated that growth rapidly. NACOLE is working hard to meet the demand but money is often a limiting factor. With your help, we could increase our capacity for outreach, advocacy, and education. We want to strengthen and expand oversight throughout the country, and give those tasked with doing this challenging and essential work the support and professional development they need to be strong, effective community-change agents. Your donation will directly support NACOLE’s top 3 priorities:
1. Advocacy for civilian oversight
2. Training of oversight professionals
3. Defining and defending oversight with state-of-the-field research and data
RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Why civilian oversight of police needs advocacy as much as objectivity
By: Anthony Finnell, NACOLE Board President
Guest Opinion | Akron Beacon Journal | October 2, 2025
Recently, I’ve been described as operating more like an advocate than as an impartial and objective reviewer. The implication was that I had stepped outside the boundaries of civilian oversight. But I reject the idea that I must choose between advocacy and impartiality. In fact, I believe effective oversight requires all three: impartiality, objectivity and advocacy. Read more...
In Memoriam of Law Enforcement Oversight Leader – Merrick Bobb
The world of civilian oversight of law enforcement lost an incredible leader last week, with the passing of oversight pioneer, Merrick Bobb. He was an early champion of civilian oversight of law enforcement and, throughout his career, shined a light on problems within law enforcement agencies. Read more...
Response to Executive Order Undermining Police Accountability and Transparency
President Trump's recent Executive Order titled “Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens,” marks a significant and troubling shift away from transparency, accountability, and constitutional policing—principles that are central to NACOLE's mission and the broader civilian oversight movement. Read more...
