Took part in collaborative discussions to develop clear and consistent systems for accountability.
In the last few years, Albany’s constituents voted to amend Local Law J of 2020 – Proposition 7 to enhance the role and responsibilities of the Albany Community Police Review Board (CPRB). As part of these changes, the Board was tasked with working with the Albany Police Department (APD) Chief of Police to develop and implement a Discipline Matrix that clearly delineates penalty levels with ranges of sanctions and stipulates a consistent accountability structure for law enforcement.
A Discipline Matrix is a document that clearly outlines levels of violations and a range of disciplinary actions that may be taken based on the severity of the misconduct and any history of previous misconduct following a completed investigation.
We did this work in public view through open meetings with every opportunity for community members to hear and weigh in, starting with the completion of short surveys.
As a starting point, the APD has shared the materials that currently exist when deciding on discipline in cases of officer misconduct. You can review APD’s current progressive discipline:
Article 4 – Discipline, and Article 5 – Department Investigations
The general orders governing how the APD considers discipline:
GO 2.2.20 (Disciplinary Procedures) revised 6.14.22 (PDF)
GO 2.4.05 (Office of Professional Standards-Complaint Procedures) revised 6.14.22 (PDF)
Additionally, these articles provide context to understanding this issue:
– New Perspectives in Policing (HBR). Police Discipline: A Case for Change
– Police Quarterly. Police Employee Disciplinary Matrix: An Emerging Concept
– COPS/DOJ. Standards & Guidelines for Internal Affairs: Chapter 4, Mediation, Adjudication, and Disposition
View the Chief Revision to APD Discipline Matrix Submitted December 2, 2023
View CPRB Response to the Chief Regarding APD Disciplinary Matrix
CPRB Standing Committee on Discipline Matrix invited participation from the following individuals of the Board, APD senior leadership and union representatives:
- Nairobi Vives, Esq., Chair of CPRB
- Veneilya Harden, Vice Chair of CPRB
- Paul Collins-Hackett, Secretary of CPRB
- Anthony M. Battuello, APD Deputy Chief
- Tom Mahar, APD Training Unit Lieutenant
- Josiah Jones, APD Detective Lieutenant and Albany Police Supervisors Association (APSA) President
- Benjamin Peterson, APD Sergeant and APSA Vice President
- Melanie Trimble, New York Civil Liberties Union
- Mark Mishler, Attorney and Activist