Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda Introduces Legislation to Create a Board of Review for Police Officer Involved Death and Near Death Incidents

  New Legislation Would Help Alleviate Distrust in the Criminal Justice System

  With the state legislature still in session Assemblyman Luis R. Sepúlveda today announced new legislation that would create an independent board of review to examine cases in which police officers are involved in the death or near death of a civilian. The bill would establish a ten member board made up of former law enforcement officials and appointees by a broad range of stakeholders to examine in real time the evidence found during an investigation into an incident involving a civilian death or near death by a police officer.

“Recent events around the country and in New York have resulted in a feeling of distrust in the current criminal justice system, especially amongst blacks and Latino communities,” said Assemblyman Sepúlveda. “The goal of this legislation is to remove that distrust and the politics that exist in grand jury proceedings and between police officers and communities of color. While still leaving the district attorney in charge of grand jury proceedings, this independent board will review and will hold them accountable for their decisions once an investigation has commenced.  Unlike other proposals offered, this legislation will provide real time oversight of an investigation.”

The bill requires that cases of death or near death of a civilian be reported immediately to the Superintendent of State Police, who is then responsible for overseeing the investigation of the local police authority and then report to the board of review. The bill also requires the respective district attorney to cooperate and share relevant information with the board of review. The board of review would act as an additional opinion prior to a district attorney’s presentation to a grand jury in their respective county.

The bill has received support from the New York Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force and is part of the criminal reform package of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Caucus.  It will soon be introduced in the Senate as well.