Board Mission and Values

The New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) is an independent and non-police mayoral agency. It is empowered to receive, investigate, hear, make findings and recommend action on complaints against New York City police officers which allege the use of excessive or unnecessary force, abuse of authority, discourtesy, or the use of offensive language. Investigations are conducted in an impartial fashion by the board's investigative staff, which is composed entirely of civilian employees. Complaints may be made by any person whether or not that person is a victim of, or witness to, an incident. Dispositions by the board on complaints are forwarded to the police commissioner. As determined by the board, dispositions may be accompanied by recommendations regarding disciplinary measures.

In fulfillment of its mission, the board has pledged:

• To encourage members of the community to file complaints when they feel they have been victims of police misconduct.

• To encourage all parties involved in a complaint to come forward and present whatever evidence they may have and to investigate each allegation thoroughly and impartially.
  

• To examine carefully each investigative report to insure that all possible efforts have been made to resolve the complaint.
  

• To make objective determinations on the merits of each case.
  

• To recommend disciplinary actions that are fair and appropriate, if and when the investigative findings show that misconduct occurred.
  

• To respect the rights of both the complainants and the subject officers.
  

• To engage in community outreach throughout the city of New York to educate the general public concerning the agency's purpose and the services provided and to respond to the comments and questions of the public concerning issues relevant to the agency's operation.
  

• To report to the police commissioner patterns of misconduct uncovered during the course of investigations and review of complaints.
  

• To report to the police commissioner relevant issues and policy matters coming to the board's attention.