WHO WE ARE
We are a coalition of groups and individuals dedicated to replacing New York City’s Civilian Complaint Review Board with an Elected Civilian Review Board (ECRB). We also seek an elected Independent Prosecutor to replace the District Attorney in criminal cases involving the police.
Our goal is to pass the Community POWER Act, which will create a legitimate system of accountability for police officers in NYC. To get there, we work democratically and with participation and leadership from people most affected by police violence. We make decisions by majority vote, in meetings open to all who agree with the campaign’s goals.
“22 years ago my son was killed by Officer Louis Rivera. Even though I won my civil suit proving Malcolm’s wrongful death, the District Attorney’s office refused to open a case against Rivera.
The DAs work too closely with the police to give justice to families. We need an Independent Prosecutor, and I am calling on the mothers and women on the City Council to make it happen.”
“If you have marched, posted, protested and chanted Black Lives Matter, the Community POWER Act is for you. We have had enough of cosmetic changes, listening panels and tinkering. It’s time to act boldly and give power to the people to hold police accountable.”
“During my four years at the CCRB, my fellow investigators and I were routinely encouraged to prematurely close cases involving allegations of serious misconduct by a board that appeared more motivated by political advancement than fair and thorough investigations.
The people of New York deserve better, and this current proposal would provide for actual civilian oversight over an increasingly out of control police force.”
“During my time as a CCRB investigator, I regularly saw the worst police misconduct excused and covered up. An accountable and empowered oversight board would represent a fundamental shift in policing in New York.”
“For the past 20 years I have seen the same obstruction, political squabbling, gross mismanagement, and heartbreaking indifference keep the CCRB a watchdog agency in name only. This new legislation will give the agency actual power to enforce its decisions, and hold board members accountable to the public. For the first time, I feel like New Yorkers will finally be served by this agency.”