The New York City Police Department’s primary oversight body is currently investigating claims made by the city’s largest police union, which accuses some of its investigators of harboring anti-police sentiments, as reported by The Post.
In a letter dated May 7, the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) called for the dismissal of a supervisor and seven investigators from the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). The union cited social media activity and college essays from these individuals as “blatant examples of anti-police bias.”
The union highlighted instances where some board employees used the acronym “A.C.A.B.”—standing for “All Cops Are Bastards”—in social media posts. Additionally, some investigators authored essays advocating for the reduction or elimination of policing, according to the PBA.
Jonathan Darche, Executive Director of the CCRB, addressed a group of city council members by stating that the agency has initiated an internal review of the allegations brought forth by the PBA.
“The claims regarding various social media posts necessitate a thorough examination to decide on the appropriate course of action, keeping in mind employee rights and protections,” Darche explained.
The CCRB initially responded to the PBA that its investigators review cases fairly and impartially.
It changed its tune after the eight councilmembers fired off a May 28 letter raising “serious questions about the fairness of CCRB investigations and the reliability of substantiated findings in which the employees played a role.”
Councilmembers Phil Wong, D-Queens, Kamillah Hanks, D-Staten Island, Vickie Paladino, R-Queens, Darlene Mealy, D-Brooklyn, David Carr, R-Staten Island, Inna Vernikov, R-Brooklyn, Joann Ariola, R-Queens and Frank Morano, R-Staten Island, also called for the employees to be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the probe.
CCRB investigators look into civilian reports of misconduct by NYPD officers. The cases, which are not criminal, can lead to internal charges and punishment.