A Watchdog for the NYPD?

Following in the footsteps of cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, about two dozen New York City Council members are proposing a bill this week to open an Office of the Inspector General to create more accountability for the New York City Police Department.

More specifically, the legislation will create a position for someone to independently oversee the police force and serve as a watchdog of sorts over the occurrence of potential improprieties within the NYPD, such as the enforcement of , which City Council members say amount to racial profiling and are an abuse of citizens' civil and human rights.

Law enforcement agents are hired to serve and protect law abiding citizens. But with this great responsibility, they are handed also a great deal of power and the authority to wield that power in any direction, as it concerns who they choose to question and who they choose to protect.

Do you believe increased oversight is needed for the NYPD? Or do you feel the addition of a third-party will serve to only add another layer of red tape and slow the overall effectiveness of law enforcement?

Take our poll, and tell us what you think in the comments.