Community Ombudsman Oversight Panel

The Community Ombudsman Oversight Panel, or CO-OP, is an independent body comprised of three members, each of whom is appointed by the Mayor. The CO-OP accepts appeals of those internal investigations resulting in findings of \”Unfounded,\” “Exonerated,” or “Not Sustained.” Upon notification of such adverse finding, complainants have 14 days in which to file an appeal with the CO-OP. The CO-OP members then conduct a review of the internal investigation to determine whether it was conducted in a fair and thorough manner. Through this external check upon the Internal Affairs Division’s case processing and investigative methods, the CO-OP is able to offer its recommendations as to which IAD practices warrant reinforcement or change in the future. In addition to those investigations brought via direct appeal, the CO-OP also reviews a random sample, up to 10%, of all complaint investigations resulting in findings of “Unfounded,” “Exonerated,” or “Not Sustained.” Finally, in some circumstances, the CO-OP may review investigations involving allegations of serious misconduct and unjustified use of force resulting in serious bodily injury when such matters are referred to them at the discretion of the Superintendent of the Bureau of Professional Standards and Police Department Legal Advisor.

Please click >> for more specific information about the CO-OP process.