I have groundbreaking news to share. Yesterday, the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) voted to begin investigating allegations of sexual misconduct against members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

 

With this vote, the CCRB will be at the forefront of civilian oversight entities in the country to begin investigating allegations of sexual harassment, sexual humiliation, and sexual assault.

 

The decision comes after a thorough review by Agency staff and input from community members over the past year. The Board will pursue these allegations with the same rigor and impartiality we have always had in our investigations.

 

 

 

The resolution authorizes the CCRB to immediately begin accepting and investigating complaints of sexual harassment such as verbal sexual harassment and sexual or romantic propositions.

 

The resolution also authorizes the CCRB to investigate more serious complaints of sexual assault after the development of a logistical plan, which includes comprehensive training, staffing, and budgetary needs. Until then, the Agency will continue to refer sexual assault allegations to the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau. In addition, when appropriate, the Agency will refer sexual assault allegations to District Attorneys’ offices.

 

Agency staff and the Board are aware of the extraordinary sensitivities of cases of sexual misconduct and are committed to ensuring that a CCRB investigation does not further harm those who come forward with these allegations.

 

In a time when sexual harassment and assault have struck at the core of America’s values, the CCRB’s pursuit to end sexual misconduct through rigorous independent and impartial investigations is critical to our effort to advance police-community relations.