Mamdani Appoints Jennifer Jones Austin to Lead Police Oversight Board

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Friday that Jennifer Jones Austin, a prominent attorney and advocate, will take the helm of the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). The appointment arrives as the mayor navigates criticism from his progressive base regarding the pace of police reform and the level of Black representation within his administration.

Jones Austin currently serves as the head of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies and is a vice chair of the National Action Network, an organization led by the Rev. Al Sharpton. Her professional background includes previous roles in both the Bloomberg and de Blasio administrations. In a statement, Mamdani described Jones Austin as a leader who understands that public safety and accountability are interconnected.

As chair, Jones Austin will oversee an agency responsible for investigating allegations against NYPD officers, including claims of excessive force, racial profiling, and sexual misconduct. While the CCRB can recommend disciplinary measures, the final decision on whether to impose sanctions rests with the police commissioner. This structure has long been a point of contention for civil rights advocates, who have frequently characterized the board as lacking sufficient power to enforce its findings.

The agency has faced significant operational hurdles in recent years, including budget constraints and a substantial backlog of cases. Data from the previous year indicates that of more than 5,600 complaints filed, only about 2,000 were fully investigated. The board is also currently embroiled in litigation with the Police Benevolent Association, which has challenged the agency's practice of releasing records regarding unsubstantiated allegations.

Jones Austin’s appointment follows a period of tension between the mayor and his supporters over unfulfilled campaign promises, such as the potential dissolution of the Strategic Response Group and the implementation of a 911 diversion program. Last month, the administration also faced pushback regarding a proposal to hire 580 additional police officers, a plan the mayor ultimately reversed.

"As chair, I will work to advance CCRB’s critical mission of accountability," Jones Austin said in a statement following the announcement. She replaces interim chair Sherene Crawford, who is expected to remain on the board.