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TESTIMONY
Testimony by Chanel Porter, Member of the Public, on Civilian Complaint Review Board reform for police accountability
2:41:13
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147 sec
Chanel Porter, a Brooklyn resident, testifies on the need for reforms to the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) to ensure police accountability.
She recounts witnessing police interactions and expresses concern over a lack of consequences even when misconduct is found, as the final decision often rests with the police commissioner. Porter advocates for four key reforms: giving the CCRB binding disciplinary authority, direct access to NYPD misconduct records, independent board appointments, and term limits for interim chairs, to move from symbolic oversight to real accountability.
- Porter has witnessed police misconduct and is concerned about the lack of accountability.
- Argues the CCRB currently lacks the tools for real consequences, as the police commissioner can overrule findings.
- Proposes four reforms: binding disciplinary authority for CCRB, direct access to NYPD misconduct records, independent board appointments, and term limits for interim CCRB chairs.
Chanel Porter
2:41:13
Good evening.
2:41:14
My name is Chanel Porter.
2:41:16
I am a Brooklyn resident, an entrepreneur, community member, granddaughter of a police officer, and I care deeply about making our city both safer and more accountable.
2:41:27
Tonight, I'm here to to testify on the need to adopt key reforms to give the civil complaint review board real power.
2:41:34
I've lived in New York City for nine years in various neighborhoods from Harlem to Lincoln Square and now Brooklyn.
2:41:41
In each of those neighborhoods, I've witnessed NYPD officers interact with, confront, or arrest my neighbors.
2:41:47
And I've seen firsthand how officers at times can mishandle or harass my fellow New Yorkers.
2:41:53
As we look at the state of our country and communities around our nation, I don't think it's hard to see or understand how our democracy is at risk.
2:42:01
Doing my own research and seeing reports about body camera violations, protest policing, and other concerns in relation to the police force made me realize the need for accountability in policing processes and oversight.
2:42:16
Far too often, even after a comprehensive investigation where witnesses have come forward, evidence has been closely examined, and a finding of misconduct has been made, there is no real consequence.
2:42:28
These cases frequently end without accountability because the final decision remains with the police commissioner who has overruled CCRB recommendations without public justification.
2:42:39
Right now, the CCRB lacks the tools to hold officers accountable.
2:42:43
Even when misconduct is confirmed, there are no real consequences.
2:42:47
New Yorkers are losing faith in the system, and that can't wait.
2:42:50
It's important that New Yorkers feel that their voice, their vote, and their representatives matter and are working on their behalf for the good of everyone in this city.
2:42:58
At this point in our country and our city, it's important that power remains distributed across multiple groups and governing bodies.
2:43:05
The CCRB needs to have more authority in establishing and determining results, consequences, and repercussions so that all of that power does not remain in the hands of one individual.
2:43:16
I'm asking the Charter Revision Commission to adopt four essential reforms for the CCRB.
2:43:22
The CCRB must have binding disciplinary authority.
2:43:25
The CCRB must have direct access to NYPD misconduct records, independent board appointments, and term limits for interim chairs.
2:43:35
These changes will move us from symbolic oversight to real accountability.
2:43:39
Thank you.