Independant CCRB is Needed for Yonkers PD

There has been recent debate over establishing a complaint review board in the city of Yonkers. This has also been the topic of certain counsel members running for election or re-election.
It is the National Black Police Association opinion that the only effective review board is an "Independent Civil Complaint Review Board" (CCRB). Other cities have review and adopted systems that are independent of the police force. The most effective have the following:
1) Appointed board with a team of non-police investigators.
2) Complaints received by civilians, not police officers.
3) The power of subpoena vested in board.
4) Review of police policy and training as a regular function.
Our system of government is based on checks and balances; each possessing the power to curtail the activities of the other. State and local levels use similar models. This is to ensure that those who represent the interest of the people do so in accordance within the law and so not abuse the authority they have been granted.
Law Enforcement professionals, like government employees, are hired and paid for by the citizens of the community. Law Enforcement professionals are giving the exclusive right in our society to exercise physical and deadly force in requiring citizens to comply with the laws and their commands.
Police departments establish policies the affect everyone in the community. Yes, there are few and in some cases no checks and balances within Law Enforcement to protect the interest and rights of civilians that we are sworn to serve and protect.
Will we wait for another Abner Louima, Tomkins Square Park incident to ignite the city counsel to act on something that is most definitely needed in Yonkers. ONLY a true and dependent body that has the power to review police polices, as well as behavior of individual officers is fundamental to good government(including the police force).
This hallmark of a truly democratic system. A system that is accountable to the citizens for whom they serve.