As a result of a generous donation, NACOLE commissioned a report on the current impediments and challenges faced by civilian oversight of law enforcement.  The report was written by Lonnie Schaible, Ph.D. of the Department of Sociology & Criminology and Criminal Justice Research Initiative (CCJRI) at University of Colorado Denver.

Impediments and Challenges of Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (Schaible, 2024)

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) awarded a Community Policing Development (CPD) grant to the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE). NACOLE sought to provide comprehensive guidance on civilian oversight for oversight practitioners, law enforcement, community organizations, and local officials in order to further develop effective civilian oversight throughout the United States. With support and funding from the COPS Office, NACOLE has developed nine in-depth case studies of civilian oversight agencies throughout the United States; a searchable, online database of civilian oversight agencies and their characteristics; and a report on the state of the field and effective practices. Links to the main report and case studies which were published in 2021 can be found below.

The Evolution and Growth of Civilian Oversight: Key Principles and Practices for Effectiveness and Sustainability (Executive Summary)

Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement: Report on the State of the Field and Effective Oversight Practices

NACOLE Case Studies on Civilian Oversight:

• City of Atlanta, GA Citizen Review Board (Investigative-Focused Model)

• City of Cambridge, MA Police Review and Advisory Board (Review-Focused Model)

• City of Denver, CO Office of the Independent Monitor (Auditor/Monitor-Focused Model)

• City of Indianapolis, IN Citizens' Police Complaint Office (Review-Focused Model)

• City of Los Angeles, CA Office of the Inspector General (Auditor/Monitor-Focused Model)

• City of Miami, FL Civilian Investigative Panel (Investigative-Focused Model)

• City of New Orleans, LA Office of the Independent Police Monitor (Auditor/Monitor-Focused Model)

• City of Philadelphia, PA Police Advisory Commission (Review-Focused Model)

• City of Washington, DC Office of Police Complaints (Investigative-Focused Model)

Civilian Oversight Agency Database