New Rochelle Board Delays Oversight, Prompts Legal Appeal

A formal Freedom of Information Law appeal was filed in New Rochelle on October 26. The filing follows a series of missed deadlines by the city regarding the Civilian Complaint Review Board. The board was established nearly two years ago to provide civilian oversight of the police department.

The appeal focuses on records concerning board member qualifications and mandatory training. The city failed to produce these documents within the required timeframe. The board has not yet adopted bylaws. It remains in the process of completing required training sessions. These delays have hindered the panel's ability to review completed Internal Affairs investigations.

Robert Cox, publisher of Talk of the Sound, initiated the legal action. He also renewed his objection to Dawn Warren, the city’s Corporation Counsel, handling his appeals. Warren is currently a plaintiff in pending federal litigation against Cox. Cox questions the commitment of Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert, City Manager Wilfredo Melendez, and police leadership to a functional oversight body.

New minutes from an October 1 board meeting revealed that additional training is still scheduled. The bylaws remained unfinished at that time. The board is preparing to review cases that have already gone through internal investigation. Cox stated he will pursue an Article 78 proceeding if the city does not determine his appeal within ten business days. The statutory clock for the city's response began with the October 26 filing.