Watchdog agency that oversees NYPD has no bite, officials say
The New York Daily News by Wil Cruz - August 5, 2009

The watchdog agency that oversees the NYPD has no bite and should be reformed, elected officials and advocates said Tuesday. City Councilman Bill de Blasio introduced and supported bills last week to overhaul the Civilian Complaint Review Board. Among the changes: The $10 million a year agency would have the power to prosecute and initiate its own cases. "The CCRB should be more than just a reactive agency," said de Blasio (D-Brooklyn), who is running for public advocate. The CCRB declined to comment. NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said the department has already taken steps to empower the board - and sees no reason to take away Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly's authority.