Mayor Mamdani appointed Jennifer Jones Austin, an advocate and city government veteran, to head of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, a police department oversight body.
Jones Austin currently heads anti-poverty organization the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, and she serves as the vice chair of Al Sharpton’s National Action Network. She also previously chaired the New York City Racial Justice Commission and the New York City Board of Correction.
“She understands that public safety and accountability go hand in hand, and that trust must be earned through action,” Mamdani said in a statement announcing her appointment. “Jennifer will lead the CCRB with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to justice. I am grateful she has answered the call to serve our city.”
Jones Austin replaces Interim Chair Sherene Crawford in the role. Crawford will remain on the board, the mayor’s office said.
“I am honored to serve as Chair of the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board,” Jones Austin said. “As Chair, I will work to advance CCRB’s critical mission of accountability and look forward to the work ahead.”
Mamdani on the campaign trail said he would make the CCRB, which investigates and prosecutes complaints against NYPD officers, have the final say on what disciplinary action should be taken against cops found guilty of wrongdoing. As it stands, the board offers recommendations, with the NYPD commissioner getting the final say.
Since his November victory and announcing Jessica Tisch would stay on as his police commissioner, however, Mamdani softened that stance, instead saying the CCRB’s recommendations should be taken “seriously.”
Jones Austin will be the board’s first non-interim chair in six years. Last year, Interim Chair Dr. Mohammad Khalid resigned, saying he did so because the Police Benevolent Association President head smeared him as “anti-cop” and lied about his record.
Mamdani’s policing decisions, and the choices the CCRB makes, are under close scrutiny as the mayor has said he aims to change the way the NYPD handles policing. On the campaign trail, the mayor pledged to disband the controversial Strategic Response Unit of the NYPD, as well as abolish the gang database and build up a Department of Community Safety.
The mayor’s ideological stance on policing often clashes with that of Commissioner Tisch.