Investigation into Allegations Against NYPD Oversight Board

New York City’s police oversight agency is looking into claims made by the NYPD’s largest union that the agency’s staff holds anti-police views, according to the Post.

In a letter dated May 7, the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) demanded the dismissal of the supervisor of the Civilian Complaints Review Board (CCRB) along with seven investigators. They pointed to social media activity and academic papers authored by these investigators as clear instances of bias against police.

The PBA’s inquiry revealed that some staff members shared “ACAB” (which stands for “all cops are bastards”) on social media and posted content arguing for the abolition of the police.

Jonathan Dersch, the Executive Director of the CCRB, informed a group of City Council members that an internal investigation had been initiated in response to the PBA’s claims. He mentioned that the allegations related to various social media posts should be thoroughly examined, while ensuring the protection of the agency’s employees.

Initially, the CCRB assured the PBA that the investigators were handling the cases in an unbiased fashion.

However, the situation shifted after eight City Council members expressed serious concerns on May 28 regarding the doings of the CCRB, calling into question the impartiality of its investigations and the reliability of findings concerning staff behavior.

City Council members, including Phil Wong, Camilla Hanks, and Vicki Palladino, urged that the implicated employees be put on administrative leave while the investigation unfolds.

The CCRB is tasked with examining citizen reports of misconduct by NYPD officers. While this situation isn’t considered a criminal matter, it could potentially lead to whistleblower actions and disciplinary measures.