Law Student Sclafani Highlights the Work of the Community Review Board, Opportunities to Get Involved on the ‘’Cuse Conversations’ Podcast

Brianna Sclafani

As a student in the joint J.D./M.P.A. degree program, Brianna Sclafani L’23, G’23 doesn’t find herself with a lot of free time for extracurricular activities.

But when she found out about the University’s Community Review Board (CRB), an independent advisory council comprising students, faculty, staff and administrators that provides community oversight of the Department of Public Safety (DPS), she knew she wanted to serve her fellow students and the campus at large by getting involved in its work.

As the board got off the ground in fall 2021, Sclafani was nominated as the law student representative, then voted in by the board as its inaugural chair, playing a key leadership role during the first two years of the board’s operation.

The CRB is tasked with reviewing appeals of civilian complaints regarding DPS officer conduct; reviewing and commenting on any new prospective DPS policies, procedures and trainings; and issuing an annual public report of findings and recommendations to the University community.

“What the CRB is and what it really boils down to is an independent body focused on making sure that our community members feel like their voices are heard when it comes to dealing with the Department of Public Safety,” Sclafani says.

University community members can do just that with two upcoming opportunities to get involved:

• The CRB will host its annual open forum on March 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Underground in Schine Student Center. Board members will give a brief overview of the CRB and its work to date, then allow time for students, faculty and staff to share their experiences with DPS and ask thoughtful questions.
• Several board positions are vacant for the upcoming (2023-24) academic year. Students (undergraduate, graduate and law), faculty, staff and administrators interested in serving on the board can apply this spring. More information will be shared via email.

Check out episode 133 of the “’Cuse Conversations” podcast, where Sclafani discusses her experiences as a law and graduate student, her work with the CRB and how community members can get involved in this work. A transcript [PDF] is also available.

“I would recommend anyone who’s interested in serving their community at large apply,” Sclafani says, noting that no prior experience or interest in law enforcement, criminal justice or community policing is required. “All you need to have is an interest in serving your community, in serving the Syracuse University members who potentially come forth in front of this board unhappy with something that has happened.”

Those with questions about the CRB are invited to email CRB@syr.edu.