The idea of a Newark Civilian Complaint Review Board has caught a lot of attention since it’s announcement last year.
Today, Mayor Baraka, the Newark Municipal Council, and Director of Public Safety Anthony Ambrose along with members of the Newark Communities for Accountable Policing (N-CAP), and representatives from La Casa de Don Pedro, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, the People’s Organization for Progress, the NAACP of New Jersey, the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition, and the Ironbound Community Corporation held a press conference to reveal more information to the public.
“This is a historic moment for the City of Newark, in how we address the continuing issue of public safety, and improve the relationship between our police and our residents. We are correcting one of the serious issues that have long affected the Newark Police Department, an issue which led to the imposition of a federal monitor over our department. Newark’s first Civilian Complaint Review Board is part of our answer to these issues, and we are creating a unique, progressive, and fully transparent board,” Mayor Baraka said. “Once this board is in operation, residents who have complaints or concerns about police behavior will be able to be certain they will be treated with support, understanding, professionalism, respect, and most importantly, action.”
The ordinance for the Civilian Complaint Review Board is slated for a first reading at the regular meeting of the Newark Municipal Council today and is the most sweeping legislation of its kind. The new CCRB will have the power to issue subpoenas, conduct investigations, and establish a mediation program to enable complainants to resolve their complaints through informal conciliation.
Public Safety Director Ambrose spoke on the current condition of the Newark Police Department’s relationship with the community and the shift in approach that will be evident with the CCRB.
With the exception of the City’s Inspector General, Newark’s Civilian Complaint Review Board will have NO police officers on it. All members will be appointed by the Mayor or the Council or be representatives of clergy, community organizations, such as La Casa de Don Pedro, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, the People’s Organization for Progress, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People of New Jersey, the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition, and the Ironbound Community Corporation.
They will review complaints against police behavior, and have the power to receive, investigate, hear, make findings and recommend action upon complaints by members of the public (including but not limited to complaints made by other police officers or personnel) against uniformed members of the Police Department that allege misconduct involving excessive use of force, abuse of authority, unlawful arrest, unlawful stop, unlawful searches, discourtesy, or use of offensive language, including, but not limited to, slurs relating to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Their findings will be submitted to the Police Director, for review and disciplinary action.
