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TESTIMONY
Testimony by Cassandra Ippaso from Campaign Zero on specific CCRB reform proposals
1:54:48
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3 min
Cassandra Ippaso, Policy Director at Campaign Zero, testifies in support of strengthening the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB).
She highlights the CCRB's current inability to enforce decisions due to lack of authority, limited access to NYPD records, and the Police Commissioner's power to overturn recommendations (in 70% of cases).
Campaign Zero recommends making the CCRB independent through board expansion and reformed appointments, granting direct access to NYPD misconduct data, and giving the CCRB final, binding disciplinary authority.
Cassandra Ippaso
1:54:48
Good evening.
1:54:49
My name is Cassandra Apaso.
1:54:50
I'm a proud New York City resident and also the policy director at Campaign Zero, an organization committed to ending police violence and cultural violence through data informed policy solutions.
1:55:01
First, I wanna thank you for providing me the opportunity to speak before you today.
1:55:05
I'm here to speak in support of critical reforms to the New York City charter that would strengthen the civilian complaint review board, as Drea mentioned, the CCRB, and restore public trust in our systems of policy oversight.
1:55:17
The CCRB is intended to provide independent, transparent, and impartial civilian oversight of the NYPD by allowing the public to file complaints against offices and have those complaints investigated outside of the police department itself.
1:55:30
Right now, the CCRB is failing to carry out this mandate.
1:55:34
While its mission is to ensure accountability, it lacks the authority to enforce its decisions.
1:55:40
Its work is often obstructed by limited access to NYPD records, long investigation delays, and a system where the police commissioner can ignore or overturn its disciplinary recommendations.
1:55:51
And in 70% of cases, it does.
1:55:54
This gross zero election renders the CCRB powerless and leaves New York City without real accountability.
1:56:00
Simply put, the CCRB cannot fulfill its intent mission in its current form.
1:56:05
Let's be clear.
1:56:06
New Yorkers deserve a police accountability system that is independent, transparent, and effective.
1:56:11
That's why we need reforms in the hands of voters through ballot measures.
1:56:15
These changes are essential to realign oversight with public expectations, not political convenience.
1:56:21
Our first recommendation is make the CCRB independent.
1:56:25
Today, the mayor controls nine of 15 board appointments, creating a lopsided structure that undermines the board's independence.
1:56:31
We propose expanding this board to 21 members and reforming the appointment process to limit political influence and ensure broader representation of New Yorkers.
1:56:40
We also recommend a sixty day time limit for interim chairs.
1:56:44
Why?
1:56:45
Because open ended interim appointments sidestep accountability and weaken the city council's role in governance.
1:56:50
Currently, all board member vacancies must be filled within sixty days, and we are asking that the same is applied to the chair position, the most important of all.
1:56:58
Second, the CCRB must have direct access to NYPD misconduct databases.
1:57:03
Currently, the NYPD controls the flow of misconduct records, meaning they determine what information is shared.
1:57:09
No accountability system would allow these subjects review the control of information, and in this case, it forces the CCRB to rely on subpoenas that are frequently delayed or or ignored.
1:57:19
A 2020 pro ProPublica investigation found that NYPD routinely fails to provide the CCRB with essential records and body worn cam footage, particularly in the most severe of cases.
1:57:29
This information sharing obstructs investigations and delays justice.
1:57:33
We propose direct access to the NYPD misconduct database so that oversight is timely, complete, and independent.
1:57:40
Third, and most importantly, the CCRB's disciplinary decisions must be final.
1:57:45
Even when the CCRB substantiates misconduct and recommends discipline, almost finished, I promise, the police commissioner can and most often does overrule them 70% of the time.
1:57:56
This gross failure renders the board's work as merely symbolic rather than substantive, and the public's faith and oversight evaporates.
1:58:04
We must give the CCRB binding disciplinary authority so accountability is not just a recommendation, but a guarantee.
1:58:11
Thank you so much.