Syracuse Citizen Review Board Meeting - November 6, 2025

The Syracuse Citizen Review Board (CRB) held a regular meeting on November 6, 2025. The board approved October meeting minutes, introduced new staff, received the administrator's monthly report, discussed training and committee updates, heard public comment, and voted to enter executive session.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the October 2025 meeting minutes by a voice vote with all present members in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barry Guwanter (Ryder Avenue resident) raised several points:
  • Requested presenters speak into the microphone due to his hearing loss.
  • Inquired about the "Readiness is a Mindset, Not a Moment" training (scheduled for November 18, 2025) and whether it was a board training.
  • Emphasized legal requirements under New York State regulations and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to provide materials and interpretation in languages spoken by the community; suggested contacting the county Office of Social Services to identify top languages and using qualified interpreters for terminology and cultural sensitivity.
  • Expressed concern about body cameras interpreting for officers, noting potential civil rights issues and the need for qualified interpretation.
  • Urged the board to train members on how to evaluate police-resident encounters from the officer's perspective moment-by-moment to assess policy compliance.
  • Recommended the board urge the mayor-elect to appoint a police chief ready to cooperate with the CRB, and to voice this publicly.
  • Asked about board members whose terms expire December 25, 2025, and whether there is a plan to reappoint or replace them.
  • Stated that discussion of forming an advisory board should be in a public meeting, not in a closed training, and asked the board to consult with corporation counsel.

Discussion Items

• New Staff Introductions: Chairman introduced Chris (new data analyst) who spoke briefly about improving data collection. Also announced the hiring of investigator Nicholas Keys (not present), bringing the CRB to full staffing. Adonia (community engagement specialist) and Julie (executive secretary) were acknowledged.
• Administrator's Report (Nalita):
  • The CRB received 22 cases in October: 12 from 2024 and 10 from 2025.
  • Correspondence sent to closed/unfounded cases; 5 cases to be presented for executive board review.
  • Community engagement activities: tabling at SAT City Market (Oct 8), presentations at Focus and Peace community meeting (Oct 1) and Center for Community Alternatives (Oct 27), and the Monster Mash event.
  • Donald Johnson assisted with interviews and attended external events including 100 Black Men, NAACP Get Out to Vote, Salvation Army Award Luncheon, KJ Angels 3K Walk.
  • Upcoming: meet-and-greet on November 4; training session "Readiness is a Mindset, Not a Moment" on November 18.
• Old Business:
  • Training Schedule: Board training set for November 15, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the CRB office, covering board responsibilities and case review procedures. A follow-up session will be arranged for those unable to attend; members should notify Chairman if they need an alternative time.
  • Advisory Board: Discussion deferred to the November 15 training to determine formation, membership, and documentation needs. Members to bring ideas.
  • Educational Materials: Member Desire suggested translating materials for the new American population; administrator noted current materials are only in English and Spanish and they will analyze the next largest language groups in Syracuse for translation.
• Committee Reports:
  • Police Relations Committee (Mike Kern, Linda, Elise, with staff Nalita and Adonia):
    • Reported on a meeting with Chief Cecil on November 6, 2025. Chief Cecil and First Deputy Chief Rich Schaff will leave at year-end; all leadership positions are at-will and subject to new mayor's decisions.
    • The committee has reviewed approximately 18 cases over three meetings (avg. 6 per meeting). In 17 cases, the board voted not to hold a hearing; one case will proceed to a hearing. Body camera footage was decisive in 90% of cases; in the hearing case, body camera was turned off.
    • Discussion of body camera technology: cameras have a 30-second buffer/pre-record feature; they can be placed in sleep mode and activated with two taps; batteries last about eight hours; some advanced models can do language translation but SPD does not yet have that. Audio may be turned off during administrative discussions per protocol.
    • Body camera footage is available via FOIL, with redaction of faces and license plates.
    • The committee requested a training calendar from SPD and will coordinate community meetings and training. A tour of the 911 center was suggested for board members to understand dispatch protocols.
    • Board member noted that CRB now has access to evidence.com for direct download of camera footage.
  • Other Committees: Chairman requested members to email their committee preferences by the following Monday to rebuild committees (outreach, hearings, etc.).
• Public Comment Response: Chairman stated the board will consult corporation counsel on the advisory board discussion being a public matter.

Key Outcomes

• October 2025 minutes approved.
• New staff hired (data analyst, investigator) – CRB fully staffed.
• Board training scheduled for November 15, 2025 (12-2 PM) with follow-up for absentees.
• Advisory board discussion postponed to the November 15 training; board to check with counsel on open meetings law.
• Translation of materials will be expanded based on community language needs.
• Police Relations Committee will obtain SPD training calendar, schedule tours for board, and coordinate joint community meetings.
• Motion to enter executive session (made, seconded, approved by voice vote – meeting adjourned until after executive session).
• No vote was taken on public comment requests; board committed to consult corporation counsel on procedural matters.