Discontent Over CCRB Leadership
The head of the agency responsible for overseeing NYPD discipline is facing criticism for his alignment with anti-police sentiments, notably from mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
Mohammed Khalid, who briefly served as interim chair of the CCRB in December, reportedly voted against police officers in 95% of substantiated allegations, according to the Police Charity Association. In September, he recorded a 100% voting rate against officers, the union highlighted.
During his leadership, the agency seemingly dismissed 97% of its investigation outcomes, rejecting 616 out of 636 allegations against police officers.
PBA President Patrick Hendry expressed concern over Khalid’s “blatantly biased voting record” and his proposal to diminish the authority of the police chief, branding him a “different anti-cop wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
Khalid, a Staten Island dentist, claimed during his confirmation that the public should “respect the NYPD” and stressed that his community has a solid relationship with the police. However, the union contests his management style.
Hendry further stated, “He and his extremist allies are pushing competent officers out of the NYPD, putting all New York City neighborhoods in jeopardy,” urging for Khalid’s removal from his temporary position.
The CCRB’s role involves investigating complaints against officers, followed by board votes, including Khalid’s, to validate those findings. They can recommend penalties which the police chief ultimately decides on.
The union has also criticized Khalid’s radical stance on police discipline and is advocating for a review of the CCRB’s authority on such matters, given that the police chief currently holds final decision-making power.
At a recent city council meeting, Khalid underscored the board’s limitations, saying, “We are tigers, but we have no teeth.”
In recent developments, Police Commissioner Jessica Tish has clashed with the CCRB, notably declining to fire Jonathan Rivera, who fatally shot an unarmed individual in the Bronx in 2019.
A 41-year-old officer shared his experience, revealing that despite the CCRB clearing him of excessive force allegations during an arrest this year, he had activated his body camera, leaving a mark on his record. He expressed reluctance among officers to perform their duties due to the threat of complaints.
“If they do it correctly, they’re still going to face complaints,” he noted of the situation. “This individual wears a collar and has cocaine, yet still complains.”
CCRB spokesman Dakota Gardner responded that they will “conduct a rigorous investigation” of the complaints received, contending that the consistency of their findings with investigators’ recommendations underscores the clarity of evidence in many situations. “All members of the Board are committed to the facts and the law, and any deviation is clear misconduct,” he stated.
