Bill > S04354

This bill fundamentally changes the disciplinary process for New York City police officers by giving the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) final discipline authority over certain police misconduct complaints. Currently, the police commissioner has full discretion over disciplinary actions, but under this bill, the CCRB will now have the power to investigate and prosecute complaints involving excessive force, bias-based policing, discourtesy, and other specified types of misconduct. The bill establishes a new hearing officer system where, if the CCRB substantiates allegations against an officer that could result in significant discipline (such as fines, suspension, or dismissal), the case will be adjudicated by an independent civilian hearing officer. These hearing officers, who must have no law enforcement background, will have the authority to impose disciplinary actions including reprimands, pay forfeitures, suspensions, and dismissals. The bill also requires the CCRB to create an administrative prosecution unit with attorneys to handle these cases, and it ensures that the police department must fully cooperate with CCRB investigations. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that these changes do not make police disciplinary actions subject to collective bargaining or arbitration, maintaining local governance of police discipline.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4354