In the early 1950’s the New Orleans City Council approached the area business and community leaders to form a non-partisan citizens committee to review alleged public corruption within the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD).  Not only did the committee identify grave problems within NOPD, but it also uncovered other alleged corrupt activities.  When presented with the committee’s findings, city officials chose to disband the committee.  It was then, in 1952, that the members of the committee decided to continue the work they had started and formed the Metropolitan Crime Commission (MCC).

In the course of the MCC’s more than 60 years in operation, we have had the honor of operating under the leadership of three Managing Directors/Presidents:

  • Aaron Kohn; Managing Director from 1954 to 1978

  • Warren DeBrueys; Managing Director from 1979 to 1989

  • Rafael Goyeneche III; Managing Director/President from 1986 to present

Since 1952, the MCC has expanded its efforts beyond Orleans Parish and the NOPD into Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Tangipahoa, St. Charles, and St. John Parishes.  In recent years, the MCC’s reach has extended into the Baton Rouge and Lake Charles metro areas and throughout Louisiana.  The MCC has worked extensively with law enforcement agencies on the federal, state, and local levels in the fight against crime and public corruption.

The MCC has developed the reputation as a resource to both private citizens and policy makers on issues of crime and corruption.  Our programs bring transparency and accountability to governmental performance.  Throughout our history, we have been influential in the passage and adoption of a variety of legislative initiatives such as advocating for the passage of the Organized Control Act of 1970, requiring public officials convicted of felonies to be removed from office, providing officers the discretion to use summons for misdemeanor violations, and the forfeiture of pension benefits by public officials convicted of felony offenses related to their officials duties. The MCC has also advocated for and supported the creation of Inspector General’s Offices in New Orleans, Jefferson, and State of Louisiana.

The MCC continues to monitor the conduct of elected officials and public employees with particular emphasis on those working in the criminal justice system, educate the public of our findings, and initiate programs whose ultimate effects are to reduce and impede violent crime and public corruption.