Syracuse CRB reports 10 new cases, two pending hires and expanded outreach after August activity

The Syracuse City Citizen Review Board reported 10 new complaints received in August and described staff and outreach activity during its Sept. 4 meeting.

Nolita, the CRB director, told the board that 10 new cases were opened in August: eight involved the Syracuse Police Department, one involved deputy sheriffs and was referred to Anthony Hurd Sr., the human rights specialist at Onondaga County, and one will be a joint case involving both Syracuse Police and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office. Staff said the board sent 57 letters to close out 2023 cases that were past the 18-month window; 15 letters were returned and four addresses were missing so no letter was sent in those instances.

The director reported two recent hires and a continuing volunteer: Julie Boniface started Aug. 13 as the CRB’s legal secretary and was present at the meeting; an incoming community engagement specialist, Adonia Wade, is scheduled to begin Sept. 10. The board also said an intern, David, finished an OnPoint for College internship on Aug. 29 and will continue volunteering on Mondays and Fridays when available.

Staff said they met with six individuals in the office during August to update case status, open new cases and explain CRB jurisdiction and procedures. The director emphasized referral work when complaints fall outside the CRB’s jurisdiction and described recent coordination with the Onondaga County Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which includes Monica Williams (chief diversity officer), Montanette Rocker (deputy chief diversity officer) and Anthony Hurd Sr.

Two vacancies were highlighted as upcoming hires: an investigator and a data-analytics position. The director said once those positions are filled the office will have full staffing.

On community outreach, the board plans to table at the Westcott Fair in September to reach college students and neighborhood residents. The director asked members to submit nominations for an advisory committee to review bylaws and indicated staff would circulate documentation about the committee’s role to aid recruitment.

The meeting moved on to public comment and then into executive session to review cases.

Why it matters

The new cases and staffing additions affect the CRB’s capacity to investigate and manage complaints. Coordination with county offices and planned hires may affect the board’s ability to process cases and hold hearings more promptly.