Overview
- Mayor Eric Adams on Dec. 9 appointed Pat Smith, a current board member and former journalist, as interim chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board.
- The Police Benevolent Association praised Smith’s voting record as fair and independent, while advocacy groups including the Justice Committee accused him of undermining oversight.
- Smith replaces Mohammad Khalid, who resigned in November after PBA criticism that he called unfounded and damaging.
- The appointment presents Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani with a near-term decision on Jan. 1 to retain or replace Smith, a move that could prompt union backlash.
- Under current rules the police commissioner has the final say on discipline; shifting that authority to the CCRB would require state legislation that Mamdani has supported.