Police Union Calls for Watchdog Resignation Amid Allegations
New York City’s largest police union is urging the resignation of the chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) due to alleged charter violations. However, the CCRB is denying these claims, according to the Post.
The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) argues that Chairman Mohammad Khalid’s position on Staten Island Community Board 2 breaches the city charter. The CCRB is responsible for investigating complaints against police officers and suggesting disciplinary actions to the Police Commissioner.
In a letter addressed to Khalid, Mayor Eric Adams, and the local City Council, the PBA stated, “His simultaneous role on the Community Board not only violates the City Charter but also compromises the impartiality expected for police officers under the jurisdiction of the CCRB.”
There’s a sense of frustration here. The PBA seemed to suggest that Khalid’s activities reflect a double standard, implying that the CCRB itself doesn’t uphold the same strict guidelines it expects of police officers.
The letter went on to assert that “undisclosed conflicts of interest” could undermine the CCRB’s disciplinary recommendations since Khalid took office last year. To address these supposed violations and restore the integrity of the CCRB’s processes, the PBA firmly concluded that he should “immediately resign from the CCRB.”
On the other hand, the CCRB has responded by asserting that Khalid doesn’t actually have a seat on the community board and has never participated in its functions since joining the CCRB.
Spokesperson Dakota Gardner clarified, “The CCRB received the PBA’s letter and forwarded it to the New York City Department of Justice for review. The Department of Justice has confirmed that Dr. Khalid was removed from the community board as per legal requirements when he was appointed to the CCRB.”
