In response to Mayor Zohran Mamdani's new appointments to the Civilian Complaint Review Board and planned expansion of the city’s gun violence prevention program, the Vera Institute of Justice released the following statement:

“The Vera Institute of Justice applauds the Mamdani administration for its concrete steps forward on community safety and police accountability. Creating a city that is safe, delivers government accountability, and provides justice for all New Yorkers requires a multipronged approach. That is exactly what the administration is demonstrating this week with its planned expansion of gun violence prevention services in Bushwick, Harlem, and Washington Heights and four new appointments to the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB).

While gun violence is already at historic lows in New York City, one shooting or one homicide is one too many. The administration’s investment in community-based violence prevention can further drive down gun violence. Research from the comptroller’s office shows that New York City neighborhoods with community violence intervention programs have seen a 21 percent reduction in gun violence. Additionally, by appointing new members to CCRB—the independent investigative body tasked with oversight of the NYPD—the administration is recognizing that robust accountability is foundational to effective policing. This accountability will help the NYPD fulfill its critical role in the city’s public safety ecosystem. Each appointee will bring significant expertise and valuable perspective to the board; their appointments, alongside the leadership of Chair Jennifer Jones Austin, should give all New Yorkers the confidence that police will be held to an appropriately high professional and ethical standard as they do the important work of keeping us safe.”