The New York City Committee on Public Safety convened on September 22, 2025, to discuss the operations of the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) and its relationship with the New York Police Department (NYPD) regarding officer discipline. The meeting highlighted the CCRB's investigative process, the handling of substantiated allegations, and recent improvements in collaboration between the two entities.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that the CCRB conducts thorough investigations by obtaining materials from the NYPD and interviewing relevant parties. Following these investigations, CCRB investigators compile reports with recommended findings, which are then reviewed by a panel of board members to determine if the allegations are substantiated. If substantiated, the CCRB recommends disciplinary actions to the NYPD, which can include training or command discipline, such as the forfeiture of vacation days.

A critical aspect of the discussion was the statutory requirement that disciplinary proceedings must be initiated within 18 months of the incident unless the conduct constitutes a crime. The police commissioner ultimately decides on the disciplinary measures, with the authority to agree with, modify, or reject the CCRB's recommendations. If the commissioner diverges from the CCRB's suggestions, a written explanation must be provided, which is made public on the CCRB's website.

The meeting also addressed the NYPD's commitment to providing timely materials to the CCRB, noting that documents and body-worn camera footage are generally supplied within 30 days. Historical concerns regarding delays in data provision were acknowledged, but officials stated that these issues have been resolved through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established in June 2023.

Additionally, the NYPD has made procedural changes to improve the handling of CCRB investigations, particularly when parallel criminal investigations are ongoing. A new MOU ensures that relevant materials are shared with the CCRB within 90 days of a request, enhancing the efficiency of the investigative process.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of collaboration between the NYPD and the CCRB, with ongoing communication between their respective legal teams to ensure that the CCRB can effectively fulfill its mandate. The changes discussed are seen as significant steps toward improving accountability and transparency within the NYPD's disciplinary system.