FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS
 
Earlier today, using the NOPDALL function of the City of New Orleans email network, Captain John Thomas of the NOPD Public Integrity Bureau, sent an email entitled "Interview Conduct", addressing the actions of NOPD officers and civilian employees as they may relate to the ongoing Federal Investigations.
 
Believing the original email may be misconstrued by some officers, the Fraternal Order of Police, after consultation with the Police Association of New Orleans, forwarded a proposed clarifying email to Captain Thomas.  Captain Thomas graciously agreed to send out the clarifying email, again using the NOPDALL function of the City's email system.  The final version of the clarified email reads as follows:
 
"ATTENTION****CLARIFICATION****ATTENTION**** CLARIFICATION ****ATTENTION**** CLARIFICATION****ATTENTION**** CLARIFICATION****ATTENTION

"I am sending this e-mail to clarify my previous email on Interview Conduct:

"The Bureau Chief or Commander of the New Orleans Police Department's Public Integrity Bureau, or their designated representative, has the right to order any N.O.P.D. employee to report to the P.I.B. office, or any other location, at any time.  Employees of the department are to comply with such orders, reporting to the cited location, at the date and time ordered, and on time.  Those employees ordered to report on their off-duty hours shall be fairly compensated, as per chapter 52.1 paragraphs 50, 51, and 52. However, the Public Integrity Bureau will make every effort to have N.O.P.D. personnel report while on duty.

"The Bureau Chief or Commander of the N.O.P.D. Public Integrity Bureau, nor any other person of authority within the New Orleans Police Department, can compel an N.O.P.D. police officer or other employee to speak with, or submit to an interview with the FBI, or any other investigative body conducting a criminal investigation (in violation of their constitutional rights), against the wishes of that officer or employee.

"When an N.O.P.D. officer or employee chooses to exercise his or her constitutional rights, including the right to seek the advice of an attorney or to decline to be interviewed, that employee will assert those rights in a PROFESSIONAL and RESPECTFUL manner in compliance with the N.O.P.D.'s rules and regulations.

"Sorry for any misunderstanding my first e-mail may have caused. Please feel free to contact Captain Thomas at (504) 235-6573 if you have any further questions or concerns".

The Fraternal Order of Police once again urges our members, if contacted by the NOPD Public Integrity Bureau or the F.B.I. regarding the on-going federal investigations of the New Orleans Police Department, to immediately contact your F.O.P. or PANO representative.  You cannot be forced to give a statement or submit to an interview, and you have the absolute right to obtain the advice of, and be represented by, an attorney.
 
FOP members should contact Jim Gallagher at (504) 442-4050, or FOP Employee Representative Donovan Livacarri at (504) 905-8280.
PANO members should contact the PANO office at (504) 942-2454.