FBI confirms investigations into post-Katrina violence widening

By ProPublica / March 8, 2010

By A.C. Thompson, ProPublica

If you've been following our Law & Disorder series, there are a couple of fresh developments.

Our partners at the Times-Picayune have some new information about the expanding federal probeof the New Orleans Police Department, confirming that the FBI isinvestigating two more shootings described in stories we published inDecember. 

Also, the city's inspector general publicly accused(PDF) Police Superintendent Warren Riley of illegally obstructingattempts to scrutinize police misconduct and disciplinary files.

"As you know, the relationship between the New Orleans PoliceDepartment (NOPD) and the citizens of New Orleans has been poor," wroteInspector General E.R. Quatrevaux in a letter sent this week tooutgoing Mayor C. Ray Nagin and posted on his office's Web site.

Quatrevaux is in the process of establishing an independent monitoringbody to oversee the NOPD. In the letter, he faults Riley for barringhis staffers from reviewing records on police misconduct, disciplineand shooting incidents. The Times-Picayune has more on the controversy.

Tags

Knowledge matters.

From exposing abuses of power and holding powerful interests accountable to elevating the voices of everyday people working for change, Facing South has become a go-to source for investigative reporting and in-depth analysis of Southern issues and trends.

Support Facing South with a tax-deductible donation.

Donate