Police Accountability

Citizens Union believes that the best way to ensure the safe and democratic application of policing is to strengthen and streamline systems of oversight and accountability, both within the NYPD and among the independent entities that monitor police misconduct.

Most recently Citizens Union urged amendments to the City Charter that will strengthen the accountability of the NYPD, and consequently improve the relationship between the NYPD and the public. One way to accomplish this is to strengthen the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), in order to bolster independent oversight of the NYPD.

On the State level, Citizen Union advocates for the repeal of State law 50-A, which prevents police disciplinary records from being made public. Repealing this law would increase transparency and therefore accountability within the police department.

Statement on Behalf of Citizens Union From Randy Mastro, Citizens Union’s Chair

June 1, 2020 - Citizens Union has issued the following statement from Board Chair Randy Mastro: As our country lurches from one crisis to the next, New York once again finds itself on high alert. And our country once again finds itself lacking the leadership and empathy we so desperately need from our federal government.

Citizens Union Celebrates Passing of Ranked Choice Voting and Reforms to the Civilian Complaint Review Board

November 5, 2019 - Citizens Union is pleased that New York City voters have embraced reforms to make our city elections more democratic, and increase oversight of the police department.

Citizens Union Announces Positions On Ballot Proposals For 2019 General Election

October 7, 2019 - Good Government Group Supports Ranked Choice Voting, Increasing Oversight of NYPD, Modifications to the City Budget, and Changes to Land Use Review; Opposes Proposed Changes to Ethics Rule.

An act to repeal section 50-a of the civil rights law, relating to personnel records of police officers, firefighters and correction officers

March 25, 2019 Summary: A.2513 (O’Donnell)/S.3695 (Bailey) would repeal Section 50-a of the Civil Rights Law. Click here for the…

City & State Elected Officials, Civil Rights, Good Government & Community Groups, & New Yorkers Impacted by Police Brutality Call for Repeal of State Police Secrecy Law That is One of Worst in Nation

June 8, 2018 - Group condemns NYPD’s misuse of state law 50-a with frequently changing and new interpretations, urge Mayor de Blasio to support concrete policy reform that repeals state law.

Citizens Union Issues Brief and Policy Position Statement on Police Accountability

August 2016 - Citizens Union (CU) urges the enactment of laws and adoption of new rules and regulations that will strengthen the accountability of the New York Police Department to the public and consequently improve the relationship between the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the public.

Citizens Union Welcomes Proposals by Governor Cuomo

January 21, 2015 - Supports legislative and executive pay commission and urges deliberative review of police accountability reforms.

Citizens Union Expresses Dismay Over Eric Garner Case Calls For Widespread Reform

December 10, 2014 - Changes needed to public oversight of police misconduct and criminal justice system.

Stop And Frisks Need To Be Used Less Frequently And More Judiciously

August 26, 2013 - Urges mayoral candidates to make clear what specific policies would be put in place to ensure stop and frisk practice complies with judge’s ruling and federal monitor.

Citizens Union Commends City Agreement Allowing Civilian Police Complaints To Be Prosecuted Independently

March 28, 2012 - Large number of CCRB substantiated cases in which recommended penalties are downgraded. Agreement will bring greater independence and transparency to the handling of police misconduct.

Citizens Union Pleased Over Announcement that CCRB Will Have Power to Prosecute Some Cases of Police Misconduct

February 19, 2010 - Move is heralded, but more independence and permanence are needed. Clear definition of work’s Scope and proper funding of CCRB are key to initiative’s success.

Garodnick, de Blasio and Citizens Union Call for Greater Civilian Handling of Police Misconduct Cases

July 29, 2009 - New Council Bill Would Improve Independence and Public Confidence in Civilian Complaint Oversight System.

Citizens Union Proposes Reforms to Strengthen Public Oversight of Police Misconduct

April 15, 2008 - Supports CCRB assumption of prosecutorial role, expanded range of penalties, and establishing CCPC's enhanced role and permanence among eleven recommendations. Good Government Group believes reforms will increase accountability, transparency and strengthen public confidence in system of police discipline.

Public Oversight of Police Misconduct

Citizens Union in 2008 comprehensively reviewed New York City's policies and procedures governing the handling of alleged police misconduct and…

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