New York City’s Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) chair, Arva Rice, officially resigned on Monday in a letter to Mayor Adams, three months after it was revealed that he asked her to step down partly due to her comments on the fatal police shooting of Kawaski Trawick, a mentally ill Bronx man. Rice, who has been the interim chair since February 2022, announced her resignation effective August 15 and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
“Leading the CCRB has been an honor,” she wrote, “I have always approached every issue with fairness and balance, whether met with criticism or applause.”
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City Hall sources confirmed that a new interim chair will be appointed soon, noting that Rice remained in an interim role as the mayor and City Council could not reach an agreement on her permanent status.
Mayor’s spokeswoman Amaris Cockfield praised Rice’s service and extended an invitation for her to continue on the CCRB board. “We wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” Cockfield said.
City Council spokesman Rendy Desamours also commended Rice’s leadership and commitment to civilian oversight, expressing hope that future chairs will uphold these values.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry welcomed the change, criticizing the CCRB board’s anti-police stance and calling for fairer decision-making.
The controversy began when The New York Times reported that Mayor Adams had asked Rice to step down on April 23 after she criticized the NYPD’s handling of the Trawick case. Rice countered that the NYPD withheld key evidence, causing delays in the CCRB’s investigation.
The Daily News later revealed that Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks had sought Rice’s removal as early as summer 2023, suggesting lawyer Khaair Morrison as her potential replacement. Mayor Adams denied pushing Rice out but reportedly told her she could remain on the board if she stepped down as chair.
Rice’s resignation drew swift reactions from advocates. The Legal Aid Society condemned the Adams administration, accusing it of undermining the CCRB’s role through defunding and rejecting disciplinary recommendations.
Arva Rice continues to serve as the president and CEO of the New York Urban League and has a history of supporting underserved New Yorkers through various leadership roles.
