New Tool Empowers Public to Track Police Officers’ Employment Histories
Openness in law enforcement has taken a significant step forward with the launch of a free online tool that allows the public to access the employment histories of police officers. This initiative, developed by a coalition of journalists and attorneys, aims to hold law enforcement accountable and ensure safer communities.
Previously, Minnesotans could only look up an officer’s current employer through the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) website. Now, with this new resource, individuals can delve into officers’ past roles, uncovering potential patterns of misconduct or questionable behavior.
“So-called ‘wandering officers’ have presented a significant danger to residents of every state, and an impediment to lasting police accountability,” said Chaclyn Hunt, legal director of Invisible Institute, a Chicago-based nonprofit journalism institution.
The need for such transparency was highlighted by the case of Sean Grayson, an Illinois sheriff’s deputy charged with murder last summer after shooting and killing Sonya Massey in her home. Grayson had been discharged from the U.S. Army for misconduct, pleaded guilty to two DWI offenses, and worked in five different police departments—several of which had records of misconduct. Hunt suggested that if Grayson’s full employment history had been accessible, he might not have been hired by the sangamon County sheriff’s department.
While the Minnesota POST Board maintains records of officers’ employment histories, thes details were not previously available through their lookup tool due to technological constraints. Erik Misselt, the POST Board’s executive director, cited the manual effort and costs associated with extracting the data as reasons for this limitation.
when the Invisible Institute initially requested this information, the POST Board hesitated, citing logistical challenges. However, local journalist Tony Webster, known for his advocacy for government transparency, intervened. By framing the request in a way that hinted at potential legal action, Webster ensured the data was released.
“as much as I believe that journalists should be empowered to access data freely, so should the public,” Webster said.“And that is all the more crucial when news organizations are shutting down and journalists are getting laid off.”
This tool not only empowers journalists but also equips everyday citizens with the ability to scrutinize the backgrounds of law enforcement officers. in an era where newsrooms are shrinking, this public access to critical information becomes even more vital for maintaining accountability and trust in policing.
By shedding light on the histories of officers, this initiative aims to prevent individuals with troubling records from moving unchecked between departments—a practice frequently enough referred to as “wandering.” It’s a step toward fostering safer communities and ensuring that those entrusted with public safety are held to the highest standards.
What are the specific legal challenges the National Coalition for Police Data Project faced when compiling employment history data for police officers?
Interview with emily Carter,Legal Advocate and Co-Creator of the New Police Employment History Tool
Host: Archyde News Editor,Michael Thompson
michael Thompson: Thank you for joining us today,Emily. The launch of this new tool has sparked significant interest across the country. Can you tell us a bit about the motivation behind its creation?
Emily Carter: Absolutely, Michael. The primary motivation was transparency. We’ve seen growing public concern about accountability in law enforcement,and this tool aims to address that by making employment histories of police officers accessible to the public. It’s about empowering communities with information to ensure safer interactions with law enforcement.
Michael Thompson: that’s a commendable goal.How does the tool work, and what kind of information can the public access?
Emily Carter: The tool is designed to be user-friendly. By visiting the National Coalition for Police Data Project, users can search for an officer’s name or badge number to access their employment history.This includes dates of employment, promotions, transfers, and any disciplinary actions on record.The data is sourced from publicly available records and partnerships with law enforcement agencies that have agreed to participate.
Michael Thompson: That sounds incredibly comprehensive. Were there any challenges in gathering this data?
Emily carter: Definitely. One of the biggest challenges was overcoming resistance from some law enforcement agencies that were hesitant to share this information. We worked closely with journalists and legal experts to navigate legal hurdles and ensure that the data we collected was accurate and up-to-date.
Michael Thompson: What has been the initial response from the public and law enforcement communities?
Emily Carter: The public response has been overwhelmingly positive.People appreciate the transparency and the prospect to hold law enforcement accountable. As for law enforcement, opinions are mixed.Some agencies see it as a step toward rebuilding trust, while others view it as an invasion of privacy. We’re committed to balancing transparency with respect for officers’ rights.
Michael Thompson: That’s a key point. How do you address concerns about privacy and potential misuse of the tool?
Emily Carter: Privacy is a top priority for us. The tool only includes information that is already a matter of public record or has been legally obtained. we’ve also implemented safeguards to prevent misuse, such as requiring users to agree to terms of service that prohibit harassment or discrimination based on the data.
Michael Thompson: what’s next for this initiative? Are there plans to expand or improve the tool?
Emily Carter: Absolutely.We’re working on expanding the database to include more jurisdictions and collaborating with advocacy groups to educate the public on how to use the tool responsibly. we’re also exploring ways to incorporate additional data points, such as commendations and community involvement, to provide a more balanced view of an officer’s career.
michael Thompson: Thank you, Emily, for sharing these insights. This tool is undoubtedly a game-changer in promoting transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
Emily Carter: Thank you, Michael. We’re excited to see how it evolves and the positive impact it can have on communities nationwide.
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This interview was conducted by Michael Thompson, News Editor at Archyde, on January 16, 2025.
