Citizen Review Board (CRB) Meeting – February 3, 2026

This regular meeting of the Syracuse Citizen Review Board (CRB) convened at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The board reviewed case statistics, approved minutes, discussed committee work, heard public comment, and voted to establish a new oversight review board. Several operational updates were provided, including progress on data analysis, community outreach, and translation of materials for immigrant communities.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barry Gwanter, a Syracuse resident (13207), asked whether the January case investigation training covered use-of-force analysis, search procedures, and scene arrival protocols. He also noted that the 2024 annual report lacked breakdowns of complaint types (e.g., use-of-force, demeanor) and outcomes (founded/unfounded), urging that such data be included in future reports. He expressed concern that any decision to fill the investigator position with alternatives should be discussed in a public meeting, not behind closed doors. Regarding the February 28 data training for board members, he requested it be open to the public. On translation of educational materials, he cautioned that accurate translation requires professional services and suggested consulting the city's Title VI coordinator and DSS for language data. He also asked whether the newly formed oversight review board would consider amendments to the CRB legislation.

Discussion Items

• Minutes Approval & Roll Call: Minutes from the prior meeting were approved by voice vote (all in favor). Roll call showed members present: Elise, Don, Mike, Peggy, Octavia, Desire; absent: Rinda, Linda, Mary, Samya. (Harry arrived later.)
• Chairman’s Report: Chair thanked the board for returning, acknowledged the re-election of Chair Peggy Chase and Vice Chair Peggy (sic), and noted the appointment of Donna Moore to the city's Safety Committee. He also thanked former liaison Cho for his service and expressed optimism about the new mayor’s administration.
• Administrator’s Report (Lolita): Reported on meetings with new safety committee member Donna Moore (full access to her) and thanked Cho for past support. In January, activities included strategic coordination, police retraining, internal board development, attending the mayor's inauguration (Jan 3), quarterly meeting with Chief Rustin's cabinet, and continued discussions with Bosque regarding hearings. Weekly staff meetings are held every Friday. The board presented at the Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) multiple times. Case statistics: 10 cases reviewed in January; 5 slated for that evening's executive session. Legal secretary Julie opened 11 new files, closed 9, sent 20 letters (11 acknowledgements, 5 closings, 3 jurisdiction-dismissed). Investigator position remains vacant; options to fill it (including continuing with Freelander, a private investigation firm at $95/hour) will be presented to the board. Data analyst Chris is building a master spreadsheet, creating maps for the 2024 annual report, and working on a new report format for 2025; a technical backup system was purchased. A data training for board members is scheduled for February 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the CRB office. Board members are required to sponsor an event in their district by February 28.
• Old Business: Token access to the case management system remains unresolved for some members (Mike, Peggy, Ada). A motion to establish a seven-person oversight review board was moved by Mike, seconded, and passed by voice vote (no opposition). The board's purpose: review CRB bylaws and make recommendations. Board members must submit their recommendations for the board (three CRB members and three city residents, plus the director) by the March 3 meeting. Desire strongly advocated for translating CRB educational materials into multiple languages to reach immigrant and new American communities, emphasizing the need for confidence in reporting incidents. Chair assured this would be prioritized.
• Committee Reports: The Police Relationships Committee (Mike, Elise, Linda) reported on a meeting with the new police administration. They met Chief Rustin's cabinet (described as young, well-educated, articulate) and discussed a trickle-down effect of national police conduct. The committee also reviews cases pre-meeting to identify potential pattern issues and offers suggestions to the department.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to approve minutes was carried by voice vote (all in favor).
• Motion to establish a seven-person oversight review board for bylaw review passed unanimously (no opposition). Board members must submit nominations by the March 3 meeting.
• The board will work on translating educational materials into multiple languages; costs and resources will be explored (e.g., city Title VI coordinator).
• The February 28 data training may be opened to the public pending legal advice; the administrator promised to clarify.
• A motion to enter executive session to review pending cases was carried (all in favor).
• The vacant investigator position will be discussed with options at a future public meeting; the administrator will seek legal guidance on transparency requirements.
• The next meeting is scheduled for March 3, 2026.