New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed veteran attorney and social justice advocate Jennifer Jones Austin as the new chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), the independent agency responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct by members of the New York Police Department (NYPD).
Jones Austin becomes the first permanent chair of the CCRB since 2020, taking over an agency that has faced growing scrutiny over case backlogs, staffing shortages and the effectiveness of civilian oversight. Mayor Mamdani said her appointment reflects his administration’s commitment to strengthening police accountability while building public trust.
- Advertisement -
“Jennifer Jones Austin has spent her career standing with New Yorkers who are too often shut out of the halls of power,” Mamdani said. “She understands that public safety and accountability go hand in hand, and that trust must be earned through action.“
Jones Austin currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA), one of New York’s leading anti-poverty organizations. She has also chaired the New York City Board of Correction, led the New York City Racial Justice Commission, and served in advisory roles under multiple mayoral administrations, building a reputation as a prominent advocate for criminal justice reform, racial equity and public policy.
In accepting the appointment, Jones Austin emphasized the importance of public confidence in law enforcement and oversight.
“Trust between government and the communities we serve lies at the heart of public safety. It is our responsibility as public servants to deepen trust by promoting transparency and integrity through our every action.”
The CCRB investigates complaints involving excessive force, abuse of authority, discourtesy and offensive language by NYPD officers. While the board can recommend disciplinary action when misconduct is substantiated, the New York City Police Commissioner retains the final authority to impose discipline.
Jones Austin assumes leadership at a challenging time for the agency. The CCRB has struggled with thousands of complaints annually while facing staffing shortages and delays in completing investigations. Civil rights advocates have also argued that the board’s limited disciplinary powers have weakened its effectiveness in holding officers accountable.
Her appointment has drawn praise from elected officials, civil rights leaders and community organizations. New York Attorney General Letitia James described Jones Austin as a leader who has devoted her career to advancing justice and fairness, while Rev. Al Sharpton said she possesses the experience and credibility needed to strengthen police accountability and public confidence.
The appointment also comes as Mayor Mamdani faces pressure from supporters to deliver on campaign promises related to policing and criminal justice reform. During his campaign, Mamdani advocated for greater police accountability, although he later stepped back from proposals that would have given the CCRB direct disciplinary authority over officers.
As chair, Jones Austin will oversee the nation’s largest civilian police oversight agency and help guide its efforts to improve transparency, investigate misconduct allegations and strengthen trust between the NYPD and the communities it serves. Her leadership is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of police oversight in New York City.
