ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB)— The Albany Community Police Review Board (CPRB) and the city’s Common Council are embroiled in a growing conflict over issues of oversight, independence, and staffing. The CPRB, responsible for investigating police misconduct complaints, has accused the council of undermining its independence. Meanwhile, the council has criticized the board for slow complaint handling and operational issues.
Antoinette Santos, chairwoman of the CPRB, addressed the tensions during a meeting on Thursday night. “We’re all simply here to serve the community, so that we can overcome these feelings and prosper as an independent board,” said Santos. “The work is not only needed but imperative to the safety of the community.”
For over 20 years, the CPRB has independently investigated complaints of alleged misconduct by Albany police officers. However, in 2024, the city voted to integrate the CPRB into the city administration, raising concerns about potential political interference, particularly from the mayor’s office…