Involvement with the CRB began when the previous law student representative, Omnia Shedid L’24, sought a successor. Intrigued by the CRB’s role in reviewing complaints about the conduct of Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers, Oliver stepped into the position, driven by a passion for justice and equality.

As vice chair of the CRB, she emphasizes the importance of student input in maintaining campus safety. “Having a student in the vice chair position allows the student body to be more involved in decision-making,” Oliver says. “The goal is to enhance the relationship between DPS and the student population by ensuring student voices are heard in policy and procedure discussions.”

Oliver also aims to raise awareness about the CRB’s role on campus. “The CRB is a valuable asset to students, but it’s sometimes underutilized because people don’t know what we do,” Oliver says. By increasing visibility, she hopes to encourage more students and DPS members to utilize the CRB for appeals, ensuring their concerns are addressed.

History of the CRB

The CRB was created following an independent review of DPS by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in 2020-21. It is responsible for:

• reviewing appeals of civilian complaints regarding DPS officer conduct;
• reviewing and commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings;
• reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and
• issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

CRB Membership

Since last fall, the CRB has added new members, including:

• Fatoumata Barry ’27, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences
• Avva Boroujerdi ’25, undergraduate student, Whitman School of Management
• Rosemary Martin ’26, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences
• Lindsey Oliver (vice chair), graduate student, College of Law
• Christina Papaleo, learning and development specialist, Office of Diversity and Inclusion
• Andrea Persin, assistant dean of budget, finance and administration, College of Arts and Sciences
• Lynnie Westafer, graduate student, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
• Tanya Williamson, assistant vice president, Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Additionally, several members are still completing their term from last year, including:

• La’Kesa Allen, community standards coordinator, Community Standards
• Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, associate dean, Hendricks Chapel
• Mary Kiernan, associate teaching professor, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics (chair)
• Maria Pettolina, professor of practice, Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute, College of Arts and Sciences

The CRB has also engaged two highly experienced consultants to advise on its work. Bethaida “Bea” González, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, is senior advisor to the CRB; and Melvin “Tony” Perez, former chief of public safety for Monroe Community College, serves as its expert law enforcement consultant.

For more information,  or contact the CRB directly by email to CRB@syr.edu.

The report, , outlines its progress in three areas:

1. Review of appeals of dispositions of civilian complaints against DPS employees;
2. Review of DPS standard operating procedures (SOPs), trainings and key community-facing functions; and
3. CRB composition and overview.

“The board was heavily involved in reviewing standing operating procedures from DPS this year,” says Mary Kiernan, CRB chair. “Reviewing these policies brought out very insightful conversations amongst the board members and helped formulate thought-provoking recommendations to DPS.”

Some highlights of the CRB’s work during the 2023-24 academic year include:

• Reviewed and held a University forum to solicit input on proposed recommendations for SOPs, including:
  • Career development
  • Recruitment and selection
  • Training of non-sworn employees
• Reviewed and made recommendations regarding trauma and trauma-informed care training.
• Reviewed, researched and made policy recommendations regarding Body Worn Camera Policy after seeking community input during the open forum.

The CRB was created following an independent review of DPS by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in the spring of 2021 and consists of 11 members: three undergraduate students, one graduate student, one law student, two faculty members, two staff members and two administrators. To learn more or to connect with members of the CRB, visit  or email CRB@syr.edu.

The CRB was created following an independent review of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in 2020-21. It is responsible for the following:

• reviewing appeals of civilian complaints regarding DPS officer conduct;
• reviewing and commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings;
• reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and
• issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

Spring Open Forum

During their annual spring open forum on Tuesday, April 2, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Falk College, White Hall, room 335, or , members of the CRB will share the work being completed by the board based on their responsibilities listed above. Additionally, the forum will serve as a listening session where members of the campus community can share about their experiences or ask thoughtful questions related to DPS and policing on campus.

For those attending in person, Communications Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be provided. To request additional accommodations, please contact crb@syr.edu.

Join the CRB

CRB membership is on a rotating schedule. Currently, the board is seeking to fill four seats with one undergraduate student, one graduate student, a staff member and an administrator.

For those interested in being considered, and submit it to the specific individual designated for your constituent group:

• Undergraduate Students: One undergraduate student will be selected by the Student Association (SA); please submit your application to Will Treloar, president of SA.
• Graduate Students: One graduate student will be selected by the Graduate Student Organization (GSO); please submit your application to Daniel J. Kimmel, president of GSO.
• Staff: A staff member will be selected by the Office of Human Resources; please submit your application to Andrew Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resource officer.
• Administrators: An administrator will be selected by Chancellor Kent Syverud; please submit your application to Souher Cosselman, director for strategic initiatives, Chancellor’s Office.

Are you considering becoming a member of the CRB? Wondering why you should apply for membership? SU News asked that question of La’Kesa Allen, staff member representative for the CRB and coordinator in the , Linda Baguma, undergraduate student representative on the CRB and student in the and Avva Boroujerdi, also an undergraduate representative and student in the . The representatives say they wanted to join the CRB to engage collaboratively with other University members and help make a difference. Baguma and Boroujerdi also wanted to represent student voices and bring those insights to these important issues/conversations.

Read more about their experiences and why they think you, too, should join the CRB:

After a brief introduction of the CRB’s mission and representatives, Associate Vice President and Chief Craig Stone will present the Department of Public Safety (DPS) policies that are currently being reviewed by the CRB and invite attendees to comment on them. The forum will also serve as a listening session where members of the campus community can share about their experiences or ask thoughtful questions related to the DPS and policing on campus.

For those attending in person, light refreshments will be available and Communications Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be provided. To request additional accommodations, please contact crb@syr.edu.

“We are all responsible for the well-being of our community. The CRB is a vehicle that aids us in better understanding each other and how we must function as a community. I encourage people to take a look at participating and see a side of their community they may not otherwise engage with,” says , associate teaching professor of nutrition and food studies in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and new chair of the CRB.

Jordan S. Beasley ’24, a political science major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences, is serving as the co-chair of the CRB and encourages student participation in events like the open forums. “I joined the CRB to ensure student voices are heard and included in the policies and decisions that will ultimately affect the future of student life at ���ϲ�����,” says Beasley.

Getting to Know the New Co-Chairs

Kiernan and Beasley have succeeded the inaugural chair of the CRB, Brianna Sclafani L’23, G’23 who graduated this past May. Along with the other members of the CRB, they each bring their own unique perspective and are looking forward to what they can accomplish as their times as co-chairs.

Kiernan, as a faculty member and originally from a small town and in an environment very different than ���ϲ�����, hopes to be a strong member for all the communities of ���ϲ�����.

“Growing up, our chief of police knew us kids by name, and we knew him. There was rapport among neighbors. The saying ‘it takes a village’ is true to me. We are all in this world together and need to work on understanding more than just the lens we see through,” says Kiernan. “By being part of the CRB, I will see more than one side of an issue; looking holistically at things, whether they be a change in a regulation or a case, is important. I hope my participation strengthens what a community is representative of.”

She invites and encourages everyone in the community to participate in the CRB and see a side of the community that they may not engage with otherwise. “We are all responsible for the well-being of our community and the CRB is a vehicle that aids us in better understanding each other and how we must function as a community,” says Kiernan.

Through the lens of a student, Beasley hopes to make the CRB more transparent and accessible to the student body. “I believe that our board is vital to the shared governance that this University balances itself upon. My goal moving forward is to continue to impact the policies within our realm,” he says. “We are here to serve and we are an accessible body. We will strive to ensure that all the decisions we make and the policies we advocate will benefit everyone who steps through the gates of ���ϲ�����.” Beasley encourages everyone to reach out to him via email if would like to share their concerns.

History of the CRB

The CRB was created following an independent review of DPS by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in 2020-21. It is responsible for:

• reviewing appeals of civilian complaints regarding DPS officer conduct;
• reviewing and commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings;
• reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and
• issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

CRB Membership

Current members serving on the CRB include the following:

• La’Kesa Allen, community standards coordinator, Office of Community Standards
• Mary Grace Almandrez, vice president of diversity and inclusion, Office of Diversity and Inclusion
• Linda Baguma, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences
• Jordan Beasley, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences (co-chair)
• Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, associate dean, Hendricks Chapel
• Mary Kiernan, associate teaching professor, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics (chair)
• Maria Pettolina, professor of practice, Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute
• Omnia Shedid, graduate student, College of Law
• William Simurra, graduate student, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

The CRB has also engaged two highly experienced consultants to advise on its work. Bethaida “Bea” González, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, is senior advisor to the CRB; and Melvin “Tony” Perez, former chief of public safety for Monroe Community College, serves as its expert law enforcement consultant.

Interested in joining the CRB? Currently, there are two openings for undergraduate and staff representation. For those interested in being considered, �����Ի���submit it to the specific individual designated for your constituent group:

• Undergraduate students: One undergraduate student will be selected by the Student Association (SA); please submit your application to Will Treloar, president of SA.
• Staff: A staff member will be selected by the Office of Human Resources; please submit your application to Andrew Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resource officer.

For more information,  or contact the CRB directly by email to CRB@syr.edu.

The report, , outlines its progress in three areas:

1. Review of appeals of dispositions of civilian complaints against DPS employees;
2. Review of DPS standard operating procedures (SOPs), trainings and key community-facing functions; and
3. CRB composition and overview.

“As I step down after graduation in the coming weeks, I know the work that the board has done over the last two years has been critical to ensure effective, transparent and equitable public safety,” says CRB chair and law student Brianna Sclafani. “Thank you to all those who engaged with us during my time in this role, and I encourage as many as possible to engage with the important work of the CRB going forward.”

Some highlights of the CRB’s work during the 2022-23 academic year include:

• Reviewed and held University forum to solicit input on proposed recommendations for SOPs, including:
  • Arrest, detention and transportation of arrestees
  • Exculpatory evidence
• Reviewed and made recommendations regarding Police Research Forum training aimed at defusing critical incidents.
• Held a hearing regarding Internal Affairs Complaint Appeal and made recommendations to the Chancellor.
• Proposed bylaw amendments to better align CRB board terms with the academic calendar.

The CRB was created following an independent review of DPS by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in Spring 2021 and consists of 11 members: three undergraduate students, one graduate student, one law student, two faculty members, two staff members and two administrators. To learn more or to connect with members of the CRB, visit  or email CRB@syr.edu.

As I conclude my time as chair of the inaugural Community Review Board (CRB), I write to you today to invite members of our University community to apply to serve on the CRB. As the spring semester comes to a close, the CRB is seeking to fill six seats with one from each of the following categories:

• Undergraduate student
• Graduate student
• Law student
• Staff member
• Faculty member
• Administrator

What is the Community Review Board?

The CRB, which consists of 11 community members, reviews appeals of civilian complaints regarding Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer conduct, current and prospective DPS policies, procedures and trainings, and key community-facing functions of DPS. The CRB is also responsible for issuing an annual public report of findings and recommendations. The 2022-23 report will be shared with the campus community later this spring.

How can I apply to serve?

For those interested in being considered, and submit it to the specific individual designated for your constituent group:

• Undergraduate Students: One undergraduate student will be selected by the Student Association (SA); please submit your application to David Bruen, president of SA.
• Graduate Students: One graduate student will be selected by the Graduate Student Organization (GSO); please submit your application to Daniel J. Kimmel, acting president of GSO.
• Law Students: One law student will be selected by the Student Bar Association; please submit your application to Jessica R. Senzer, executive president of the Student Bar Association.
• Faculty: A faculty member will be selected by the University Senate; please submit your application to Dan Cutler, co-chair of the Senate Administrative Operations Committee.
• Staff: A staff member will be selected by the Office of Human Resources; please submit your application to Andrew Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resource officer.
• Administrators: An administrator will be selected by Chancellor Kent Syverud; please submit your application to Souher Cosselman, director for strategic initiatives, Chancellor’s Office.

When is my application due?

To be considered this year, please submit your application by Friday, March 31. Individuals selected to serve will be notified by Friday, April 14.

To learn more about the CRB, or contact the CRB directly by email to CRB@syr.edu.

Sincerely,

Brianna C. Sclafani
Chair, Community Review Board

After a brief introduction of the CRB’s mission and representatives, the open forum will serve as a listening session where members of the campus community can share about their experiences or ask thoughtful questions related to the Department of Public Safety and policing on campus.

For those attending in person, light refreshments will be available and Communications Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be provided. To request additional accommodations, please contact crb@syr.edu.

“These forums are invaluable for us to hear from as many campus constituents as possible to ensure we are serving in an inclusive and representative way. During previous sessions, attendees have offered thoughtful suggestions and asked insightful questions,” says Brianna Sclafani, the CRB chair who is also a law student in the College of Law and graduate student in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

The CRB was created following an independent review of DPS by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in 2020-21. It is responsible for:

• reviewing appeals of civilian complaints regarding DPS officer conduct;
• reviewing and commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings;
• reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and
• issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

Current members serving on the CRB include:

• Yusuf S. Abdul-Qadir, graduate student, School of Information Studies
• Mary Grace Almandrez, vice president of diversity and inclusion, Office of Diversity and Inclusion
• Linda Baguma, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences
• Jordan Beasley, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences
• Sam Castleberry, undergraduate recruiting specialist, College of Visual and Performing Arts (vice chair)
• Theresa A. Jenkins, academic advisor, Newhouse School of Public Communications
• Milton R. Laufer, director and associate professor, School of Music, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• Adia Santos, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Brianna C. Sclafani, graduate student, College of Law (chair)
• Salatha Willis, associate athletic director diversity and inclusion, Student Athletic Development
• Corrinne B. Zoli, research faculty, Forensic Science Institute

The CRB has also engaged two highly experienced consultants to advise on its work. Bethaida “Bea” González, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, is senior advisor to the CRB; and Melvin “Tony” Perez, former chief of public safety for Monroe Community College, serves as its expert law enforcement consultant.

For more information,  or contact the CRB directly by email to CRB@syr.edu.

Brianna Sclafani

As a student in the joint J.D./M.P.A. degree program, Brianna Sclafani L’23, G’23 doesn’t find herself with a lot of free time for extracurricular activities.

But when she found out about the University’s (CRB), an independent advisory council comprising students, faculty, staff and administrators that provides community oversight of the , she knew she wanted to serve her fellow students and the campus at large by getting involved in its work.

As the board got off the ground in fall 2021, Sclafani was nominated as the law student representative, then voted in by the board as its inaugural chair, playing a key leadership role during the first two years of the board’s operation.

The CRB is tasked with reviewing appeals of civilian complaints regarding DPS officer conduct; reviewing and commenting on any new prospective DPS policies, procedures and trainings; and issuing an annual public report of findings and recommendations to the University community.

“What the CRB is and what it really boils down to is an independent body focused on making sure that our community members feel like their voices are heard when it comes to dealing with the Department of Public Safety,” Sclafani says.

University community members can do just that with two upcoming opportunities to get involved:

• The CRB will host its annual open forum on March 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Underground in Schine Student Center. Board members will give a brief overview of the CRB and its work to date, then allow time for students, faculty and staff to share their experiences with DPS and ask thoughtful questions.
• Several board positions are vacant for the upcoming (2023-24) academic year. Students (undergraduate, graduate and law), faculty, staff and administrators interested in serving on the board can apply this spring. More information will be shared via email.

Check out episode 133 of the “’Cuse Conversations” podcast, where Sclafani discusses her experiences as a law and graduate student, her work with the CRB and how community members can get involved in this work. A transcript [PDF] is also available.

“I would recommend anyone who’s interested in serving their community at large apply,” Sclafani says, noting that no prior experience or interest in law enforcement, criminal justice or community policing is required. “All you need to have is an interest in serving your community, in serving the ���ϲ����� members who potentially come forth in front of this board unhappy with something that has happened.”

Those with questions about the CRB are invited to email CRB@syr.edu.

The first is a revision to an existing policy designed to provide DPS guidance for arrests made in academic classrooms and settings, and the second is a new policy to ensure DPS compliance to disclose potential exculpatory and impeachment evidence in criminal cases. The full policy revision and recommendations are available online [PDF] for review.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 6 to 7 p.m., the CRB will host a webinar titled “,” where representatives from the DPS and CRB will present the policies and revisions. Attendees will have an opportunity to submit questions during the session. Registration for the webinar is not required; .

“Even if you are unable to attend the webinar, we still want to hear the feedback you have regarding these two policies from DPS,” says Brianna Sclafani, the CRB chair who is also a law student in the College of Law and graduate student in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. “We encourage all students, faculty and staff to review the proposed policies and submit their feedback to the CRB by sending an email to CRB@syr.edu,” she added.

For more information,  or contact the CRB directly by email to CRB@syr.edu.

• reviewing appeals of civilian complaints regarding DPS officer conduct (after a formal complaint has been filed with DPS Internal Affairs);
• commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings;
• reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and
• issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

The board was established in fall 2021 based on the recommendation of former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch following her independent review of DPS in early 2021, and spent much of its first year laying the groundwork for its operations.

As recommended by Lynch, the board is composed of 11 members: three undergraduate students, one graduate student, one law student, two faculty members, two staff members and two administrators. Current membership includes:

• Yusuf S. Abdul-Qadir, graduate student, School of Information Studies
• Mary Grace Almandrez, vice president of diversity and inclusion, Office of Diversity and Inclusion
• Linda Baguma, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences
• Jordan Beasley, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences
• Sam Castleberry, undergraduate recruiting specialist, College of Visual and Performing Arts (vice chair)
• Theresa A. Jenkins, academic advisor, Newhouse School of Public Communications
• Milton R. Laufer, director and associate professor, School of Music, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• Adia Santos, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Brianna C. Sclafani, graduate student, College of Law (chair)
• Salatha Willis, associate athletic director diversity and inclusion, Student Athletic Development
• Corrinne B. Zoli, research faculty, Forensic Science Institute

The board is also served by two advisors—Bethaida “Bea” González, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, as senior advisor and Melvin “Tony” Perez, former chief of public safety for Monroe Community College, as an expert law enforcement consultant.

“I decided to serve because it’s my duty as a community member,” says Salatha T. Willis Jr., one of the board’s newer members. “As employees on our campus, it is important that we are active participants in helping shape community standards for students and staff members on campus as well as the overall ���ϲ����� community.”

Earlier in the semester, the CRB heard its first case, and the board was recently asked to provide input on an updated DPS standard operating procedure related to the arrest, detention and transportation of arrestees.

“It’s exciting and rewarding to be fully operationalized as a board and moving into the meat of our work,” says Sclafani, who has chaired the board since its inception. “I look forward to continuing to collaborate with our board members and any and all students, faculty and staff who need our services, and positively contributing to the experience of all members of our community.”

In early spring, the board will issue a call for applications for new members for the 2023-24 academic year. The CRB also plans to hold its annual open forum in March before spring break. The entire University community will be invited to ask questions, provide input and voice their experiences with DPS on campus.

To learn more or to connect with members of the CRB, or email CRB@syr.edu.

The report, , outlines its progress in three areas:

1. Review of appeals of dispositions of civilian complaints against DPS employees;
2. Review of DPS standard operating procedures (SOPs), trainings and key community-facing functions; and
3. CRB composition and overview.

“We would like to thank all of those who engage with and support our work to ensure effective, transparent and equitable public safety,” says CRB Chair and law student Brianna Sclafani. “The CRB looks forward to continuing to serve the entire University community in the next academic year.”

Some highlights of the CRB’s work in 2021-22 include:

• Creating a webpage, online form for appeal submissions and dedicated email account to liaise with the University community;
• Formalizing processes and procedures related to civilian complaints and developing a confidentiality and conflict of interest policy for all CRB members;
• Providing input on the new interview and selection process for new DPS Chief Craig Stone; and
• Hosting its Annual Forum in April, an opportunity for all members of the campus community to engage with the CRB and have their voices heard.

The CRB was created following an independent review of DPS by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in spring 2021 and consists of 11 members: three undergraduate students, one graduate student, one law student, two faculty members, two staff members and two administrators. To learn more or to connect with members of the CRB, visit or email CRB@syr.edu.

I am writing today in my role as chair of the inaugural Community Review Board (CRB) to invite members of our campus community to apply to serve on the CRB. As the spring semester comes to a close, the CRB is seeking to fill six seats with two undergraduate students and one graduate student, staff member, faculty member and administrator.

What is the Community Review Board?

The CRB, which consists of 11 community members, reviews appeals of civilian complaints regarding Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer conduct, current and prospective DPS policies, procedures and trainings, and key community-facing functions of DPS. The CRB is also responsible for issuing an annual public report of findings and recommendations. The first report will be shared with the campus community later this spring.

How can I apply to serve?

For those interested in being considered, and submit it to the specific individual designated for your constituent group:

• Undergraduate Students: Undergraduate representation will be selected by the Student Association (SA); please submit your application to David Bruen, president of SA.
• Graduate Students: One graduate student will be selected by the Graduate Student Organization (GSO); please submit your application to Yousr Dhaouadi, president of GSO.
• Faculty: Faculty members will be selected by the University Senate; please submit your application to Dan Cutler, co-chair of the Senate Administrative Operations Committee.
• Staff: Staff will be selected by the Office of Human Resources; please submit your application to Andrew Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resource officer.
• Administrators: Administrators will be selected by Chancellor Kent Syverud; please submit your application to Megan Travis, director for strategic initiatives, Chancellor’s Office.

When is my application due?

To be considered this year, please submit your application by Monday, April 25. Individuals selected to serve will be notified by Friday, May 6.

To learn more about the CRB, or contact the CRB directly by email to CRB@syr.edu.

Sincerely,

Brianna C. Sclafani
Chair, Community Review Board

After a brief introduction of the CRB’s mission, representatives and progress to date, the open forum will serve as a listening session where members of the campus community can bring forth ideas, opinions, personal experiences and concerns related to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and policing on campus.

No RSVP is required; Communications Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be provided. To request additional accommodations, please contact crb@syr.edu.

“As the CRB continues its important work, it is invaluable to hear from as many campus constituents as possible to ensure we are serving in an inclusive and representative way. This work is much bigger than the 11 of us who serve on the Community Review Board—for us to best meet the needs of the entire campus community, broad input is imperative,” says Brianna Sclafani, the CRB chair who is also a law student in the College of Law and graduate student in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

The CRB was created following an independent review of DPS by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in 2020-21. It is responsible for:

• reviewing appeals of civilian complaints regarding DPS officer conduct;
• reviewing and commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings;
• reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and
• issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

Current members serving on the CRB include:

• Yusuf S. Abdul-Qadir, graduate student, School of Information Studies
• Guilherme Maurell Costa, senior associate vice president and deputy university secretary, Office of the Board of Trustees
• Liz Green, executive director, Online Student Success (vice-chair)
• Keith L. Henderson, chief compliance officer, Office of University Counsel
• Theresa A. Jenkins, academic advisor, Newhouse School of Public Communications
• Milton R. Laufer, director and associate professor, School of Music, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• Hunter Stanley Luke, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Alexandra Zoey Pollack, undergraduate Student, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Adia Santos, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Brianna C. Sclafani, graduate student, College of Law (chair)
• Corrinne B. Zoli, research faculty, Forensic Science Institute

The CRB has also engaged two highly experienced consultants to advise on its work. Bethaida “Bea” González, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, is senior advisor to the CRB; and Melvin “Tony” Perez, former chief of public safety for Monroe Community College, serves as its expert law enforcement consultant.

For more information, or contact the CRB directly by email to CRB@syr.edu.

The CRB reviews appeals of civilian complaints regarding Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer conduct. The CRB is also tasked with reviewing and commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings; reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

Hunter Luke

“I am very grateful to Hunter and Adia for their commitment to the campus community and joining in the CRB. Their voices and insights are crucially important for the CRB to ensure that a diversity of perspectives are part of the work that we are undertaking,” says CRB chair Brianna C. Sclafani, who is a law student in the College of Law and a graduate student in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Luke, of Peterborough, New Hampshire, is majoring in policy studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. A member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program, Luke is an assembly clerk for the Student Association and volunteers with InterFaith Works’ Center for New Americans.

“Having heard directly from students about campus safety has shown me how much work still needs to be done to affirm DPS’ mission statement,” Luke says. “I see the work of the Community Review Board as one small but significant step in doing just that.”

Adia Santos

Santos, of the Bronx, New York, is a political science major in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) and the Maxwell School and a religion minor in A&S. She is an assembly member with the Student Association and the president of the Undergraduate Religion Scholars Association.

“I grew up very aware of my surroundings and the role I play in the global community, which led me to lead a life full of activism and political engagement,” Santos says. “As a student leader, I wanted to serve on the Community Review Board to voice student concerns and help pave the way toward a stronger University community. I’ve enjoyed my time here at ���ϲ�����, and I want to help ensure the success and sense of belonging for future students.”

For more information about the CRB and the process to file a complaint, . To contact the CRB directly, you can send an email to CRB@syr.edu.

About ���ϲ�����

���ϲ����� is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors closes the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible.

Later this month, Department of Public Safety (DPS) Chief Bobby Maldonado will officially retire from ���ϲ�����. I am grateful for Chief Maldonado’s leadership and appreciate that he delayed his retirement until the end of the fall semester.

A search to succeed Chief Maldonado is well underway. The search committee, led by Allen Groves, senior vice president for the student experience, and made up of students, faculty and staff, recently completed the first round of virtual interviews. The committee has identified candidates to move to the next phase of the search. I look forward to meeting with them after the holiday break. Many campus stakeholders will also be meeting with these candidates, including the Community Review Board, academic leaders, student leaders, faculty and staff. Our goal is to conclude the search in the spring semester and announce the new chief before Commencement.

During this transition period, an interim leadership team will provide oversight to the Department of Public Safety. This leadership team includes Candace Campbell Jackson, senior vice president and chief of staff, Dan French, senior vice president and general counsel, and Allen Groves, senior vice president for the student experience. These senior leaders have extensive experience overseeing and working with campus public safety units and law enforcement agencies.

The University and DPS will continue put forth by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and her review team. This includes the inaugural , which has been meeting regularly to carry out its important work. I am pleased by the progress made to date and look forward to welcoming a new leader for DPS in the spring.

Sincerely,

Kent Syverud
Chancellor and President

The board is also tasked with reviewing and commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings; reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

Created following an independent review of the DPS by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, the CRB has 11 members: three undergraduate students, one graduate student, one law student, two faculty members, two staff members and two administrators.

Brianna C. Sclafani, who is a law student in the College of Law and a graduate student in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, chairs the CRB.

The CRB also has two advisors. Bethaida “Bea” González, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, will be senior advisor to the CRB.  Melvin “Tony” Perez, former chief of public safety for Monroe Community College, will be the CRB’s expert law enforcement consultant.

Before a complaint against a DPS officer can be filed with the CRB, a formal complaint must first be filed with DPS Internal Affairs. Once a complaint is filed, DPS will launch what is known as the Internal Affairs Investigation Process.

If either the citizen or the member of DPS are unsatisfied with the outcome of the Internal Affairs Investigation, they have 14 days to appeal the disposition by email to the CRB.

For more information about the CRB and the process to file a complaint, visit the .

Brianna Sclafani

The CRB, which was created following an independent review of the University’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, is responsible for reviewing appeals of civilian complaints regarding DPS officer conduct. The CRB is also tasked with reviewing and commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings; reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

In her role as chair of the CRB, Sclafani is responsible for advancing the vision and mission of the Board, leading her dedicated CRB colleagues, and liaising with the campus community.

We caught up with Sclafani recently to ask her a few questions about her new role.

Q: What inspired you to join the Community Review Board?

A: I joined the Community Review Board to implement positive changes across campus. My previous experience with police reform and interest in community policing made the CRB the perfect way for me to get involved on campus.

Q: Describe your role as the CRB chair. 

A: The role of the CRB chair is not only to preside over our regularly scheduled meetings but to provide support to each member of the board and facilitate conversations between key University officials and the CRB.

Q: What do you want students to know about the work that’s being done by you and your CRB colleagues?

A: The CRB has been tasked with numerous major mandates:

• Review appeals of dispositions of civilian complaints against DPS employees;
• Review and comment on prospective standard operating procedures and trainings;
• Review key community-facing functions of DPS and issue to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations; and
• Regularly meet with our law enforcement advisor, senior advisor and University officials to achieve these objectives.

Q: What is the most interesting aspect of your role on the CRB?

A: The most interesting aspect of serving on the CRB is the people I work with. The Community Review Board is made up of 11 members from across the University community. Each board member brings with them a unique background, skill set and expertise. I enjoy learning from my colleagues and appreciate everyone’s participation and dedication to the CRB.

Q: How can students engage the CRB?

A: Students who are interested in learning more information about the CRB are invited to . The CRB will host its first public forum to in the spring of 2022 to solicit input on DPS from students and other members of the University community (date and time to be determined). Additionally, if a student is interested in serving on the CRB, they are welcome to apply for the position once the application has been published to the CRB website.

Q: Why is having student representation and leadership on the CRB so important?

A: The Community Review Board rose out of concerns students had with DPS. Students make up five out of 11 board positions (three undergraduate and two at the graduate level) which ensures students voices, ideas and concerns are appropriately addressed.

Students are the ones who primarily interact with DPS. This University is our home. We care about our home, we want to see our home do better and we want to be included in the process. Without student input the Community Review Board would not be serving the entire University community. I am grateful to University leadership that they included students in conversations about policing on our campus. I am humbled by my colleagues who also recognized the importance of student leadership on this board and elected me to this position.

Bethaida “Bea” González, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, will be senior advisor to the CRB.  Melvin “Tony” Perez, former chief of public safety for Monroe Community College, will be the CRB’s expert law enforcement consultant.

“As a newly created board, we decided that we could greatly benefit from the ongoing insight that Bea and Tony could bring to our critical mission,” says CRB chair Brianna Sclafani, student in the College of Law and graduate student in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. “Together, Bea and Tony bring decades of experience in community relations, law enforcement, academic administration, campus safety and security, and the student experience. Their perspectives will be of great value and can help provide context to the CRB as we move forward.”

González, who retired last July after more than four decades of service in higher education and was named ���ϲ����� Mace Bearer by Chancellor Kent Syverud last May, is widely respected throughout the campus and community as a fierce advocate for equity and engagement. “Bea is a true public servant,” says Sclafani. “She will bring to the CRB vast experience, understanding and decades of relationship-building with students, faculty, staff and community organizations.”

“The independent review by Loretta Lynch and her team brought to the forefront issues that must be openly and courageously addressed for our campus community to have full faith and confidence in its public safety services,” says Gonzalez.  “The well-meaning intentions of the campus community must be codified and carried out in policy and process to ensure a truly equitable approach to safety and security issues.”

Perez served as chief of public safety at Monroe Community College before retiring in July 2021. In that post, he was responsible for the Office of Public Safety and worked closely with student services, counseling, housing and student groups. Perez also brings decades of service in law enforcement, including as director of intelligence for the New York State Police and deputy commissioner for the state’s Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). In the latter post, he oversaw advanced police training and consulted on police protocols and best practices among the state’s law enforcement agencies. He also spent two decades serving the Rochester Police Department, rising to the position of deputy chief of operations.

“Tony brings to the CRB a vast knowledge of best practices that will be critical to our work in reviewing our own Department of Public Safety protocols and practices,” says Sclafani.

“I look forward to working with the members of the CRB as they take on their vitally important assignments,” says Perez. “In reviewing prospective DPS policies and training, in weighing in on civilian complains regarding officer conduct, the CRB bears a critical responsibility in ensuring a culture of transparency and understanding of all sides of public safety issues.”

The CRB is made up of 11 members, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff and administrators. Part of its charge is to hear appeals of DPS internal affairs investigations, and review DPS policies and procedures.

To learn how to file a complaint via DPS’ internal affairs investigation process and to review the CRB’s process for reviewing appeals, visit the . The CRB can be reached by sending an email to CRB@syr.edu.

The CRB is also tasked with reviewing and commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings; reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

The board is made up of 11 members, including three undergraduate students (Currently there are two; the CRB is working to fill the third slot.), one graduate student, one law student, two faculty members, two staff members and two administrators. The board is chaired by Brianna Sclafani, student in the College of Law and graduate student in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Other members of the CRB are the following:

• Yusuf S. Abdul-Qadir, Graduate Student, School of Information Studies
• Guilherme Maurell Costa, Senior Associate Vice President and Deputy University Secretary, Office of the Board of Trustees
• Liz Green, Executive Director, Online Student Success, Vice-Chair
• Keith L. Henderson, Chief Compliance Officer, Office of University Counsel
• Theresa A. Jenkins, Academic Advisor, Newhouse School of Public Communications
• Milton R. Laufer, Director and Associate Professor, School of Music, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• Alexandra Zoey Pollack, Undergraduate Student, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• David J. Williams, Undergraduate Student, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Corrinne B. Zoli, Research Faculty, Forensic Science Institute

Sclafani says the board’s members have made great progress creating a framework to position the board to be an effective community resource.

“The board has been particularly focused on creating a fair, expedient and efficient process that supports both our campus community and DPS team members through the appeal process,” says Sclafani. “I am grateful for the University’s support of this important work and appreciate the dedication of our board members.”

Sclafani says it’s important for community members to understand that the CRB is not the recipient of the original complaint. Instead, she says, a complaint must be filed with the Department of Public Safety’s Internal Affairs. The CRB only gets involved if either the citizen who filed the complaint or the DPS team member are unsatisfied with the outcome. To submit a request please fill out the and the CRB will contact you if additional information is needed.

“The CRB will hear appeals only after the internal affairs investigation process has been completed,” Sclafani says. “Once DPS has issued their final disposition, then a community member has 14 days to file a notice of appeal with the CRB. I encourage the community to visit our web page to get a better understanding of the full process.”

To learn how to file a complaint via DPS’ internal affairs investigation process and to review the CRB’s process for reviewing appeals, visit the . To contact the CRB directly, you can send an email to CRB@syr.edu.