The head of the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), Mohammed Khalid, has revealed his true colors, aligning himself with anti-police sentiment and should be dismissed immediately. The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) has rightfully called for his ouster, highlighting that Khalid has sided against law enforcement 95% of the time since taking charge in December. This type of bias in leadership is not only unwarranted; it jeopardizes public safety.
Under Khalid’s leadership, the CCRB has shockingly sustained 97% of all investigative decisions, and he has rewarded his anti-cop agenda with a perfect 100% vote against officers in September. His actions clearly betray a commitment to undermining the very officers who ensure our streets are safe.
PBA President Patrick Hendry has been unequivocal: “Dr. Khalid has turned out to be just another anti-cop wolf in sheep’s clothing.” His radical proposals to strip the Police Commissioner of authority over disciplinary actions represent a serious threat to effective policing.
Khalid, a Staten Island dentist, may profess respect for the NYPD, claiming that his community enjoys a solid relationship with law enforcement. However, his voting record and the dangerous rhetoric emanating from him and the CCRB members disprove this assertion. Hendry rightly indicates that individuals like Khalid are driving commendable police officers out of the department, leaving vulnerable neighborhoods vulnerable.
Currently, the CCRB investigates complaints against officers, determining whether they are substantiated or unsubstantiated before voting on recommendations for discipline. However, Khalid’s aggressive push for the CCRB to assume final authority over police discipline would strip power from those who actually manage these complexities daily.
In a recent City Council hearing, Khalid audaciously stated, “We are a tiger, but we don’t have the teeth.” This alarming claim exposes his desire for unchecked power and an agenda that disregards the very fabric of law enforcement.
Examples of the CCRB’s biases are all too apparent. In one high-profile case, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch defied CCRB recommendations, demonstrating a commitment to just outcomes—something Khalid and his team have repeatedly failed to uphold. Such instances only add to the frustration and reluctance of police officers to engage fully in their duties.
Officers face constant scrutiny and fear of unwarranted complaints, regardless of the situation. As one officer stated, despite being cleared of a use-of-force allegation, the stigma endures, discouraging them from taking necessary actions in the line of duty.
The CCRB claims to conduct “rigorous investigations,” yet their conclusions often align too neatly with the prejudices of the board members. Any suggestion that their findings are impartial is hollow, and the plea from officers for understanding and support is clear: we cannot allow anti-cop sentiment to govern our streets. Khalid must be removed for the safety and integrity of every New Yorker.
