Understanding the Work of the Community Review Board

A new resource for the Syracuse University community, the Community Review Board is in place to review appeals of civilian complaints regarding Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer conduct. Its work is another step in helping to ensure transparency and increasing an equitable approach to safety and security on campus.

The board is also tasked with reviewing and commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings; reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

Created following an independent review of the DPS by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, the CRB has 11 members: three undergraduate students, one graduate student, one law student, two faculty members, two staff members and two administrators.

Brianna C. Sclafani, who is a law student in the College of Law and a graduate student in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, chairs the CRB.

The CRB also has two advisors. Bethaida “Bea” González, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, will be senior advisor to the CRB.  Melvin “Tony” Perez, former chief of public safety for Monroe Community College, will be the CRB’s expert law enforcement consultant.

Before a complaint against a DPS officer can be filed with the CRB, a formal complaint must first be filed with DPS Internal Affairs. Once a complaint is filed, DPS will launch what is known as the Internal Affairs Investigation Process.

If either the citizen or the member of DPS are unsatisfied with the outcome of the Internal Affairs Investigation, they have 14 days to appeal the disposition by email to the CRB.

For more information about the CRB and the process to file a complaint, visit the CRB webpage.