The Giglio List, also known as the Brady List, is a roster of law enforcement officers whose credibility or integrity has been called into question, typically due to incidents of dishonesty, misconduct, or criminal behavior. The list is named after the U.S. Supreme Court case Giglio v. United States (1972), which ruled that prosecutors must disclose to the defense any information that could undermine an officer’s credibility as a witness. If an officer is placed on this list, it signifies that they may not be deemed reliable in court and their testimony could be challenged. Officers who are listed typically have been involved in incidents such as falsifying reports, committing perjury, or engaging in other unethical actions that undermine their ability to testify truthfully.
Being placed on the Giglio List can have serious consequences for an officer’s career. It means their credibility as a witness in criminal cases is in question, making it difficult for them to participate in prosecutions where their testimony is needed. This could potentially derail cases, as prosecutors may be required to disclose this information to defense attorneys, potentially leading to reduced plea deals or the dismissal of charges. Officers placed on this list are typically subject to ongoing scrutiny and may face disciplinary actions, including suspension or termination, depending on the severity of the misconduct. Notably, Lt. O’Brien, from the Second District, has been internally monitored by NOPD’s INSIGHT program since at least 2019: A warning system for ‘at risk’ Officers.
In the case of Lieutenant John O’Brien, his inclusion on the DA Williams’ No Call Brady/Giglio List stems from a sustained finding in an administrative investigation linked to PIB Case #2017-0630. This case involved a violation of Rule 2 (Moral Conduct) and Chapter 1 Adherence to Law (R.S. 32:391), which are provisions governing officer behavior and ethical standards within the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). The adjudication of the case indicates that Lieutenant O’Brien was found to have violated these standards, which led to his placement on the list. The ongoing inclusion of O’Brien on the list since at least 2021 underscores the lasting impact of the investigation and the department’s continued assessment of his conduct: which remains highly scrutinized to this day.
