Pittsburgh Gov Guide, A website of The Pittsburgh Foundation
A fire in the sky reflects in the icy Pittsburgh fountain. Photo by Dave DiCello.

Citizen Police Review Board

The Citizen Police Review Board (CPRB) is an independent agency set up to investigate citizen complaints about improper police  conduct. The independent Citizen Police Review Board was created on May 20, 1997, through a referendum amending the Home Rule Charter (§228).

As expressed by the citizens of Pittsburgh, the purpose of the Citizen Police Review Board is to receive, investigate and recommend appropriate action for complaints regarding alleged police misconduct, and to improve the relationship between the police department and the community.

As stated by §661.03 of the City Code, the Board “shall strive to prevent future incidents of police misconduct and abuses of civil rights and strive to promote public confidence in law enforcement through its capacity to investigate, hold public hearings regarding and evaluate allegations of police misconduct and make recommendations concerning patterns of police misconduct if such are found.”

The Board is composed of seven City residents, none of whom may be employed by the City or any of its Authorities. The mayor directly appoints three members and selects the remaining four Members for appointment from a list of nominees submitted by City Council.
Vacancies or term conclusions are filled according to the initial appointment protocol. Two members must be experienced law enforcement professionals, and no member may be a sworn, currently employed law enforcement officer. Members serve without compensation.

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More about Citizen Police Review Board

Below is a list of content in the Citizen Police Review Board's Transition Brief (prepared by Thomas Consulting Group for The Pittsburgh Foundation). 

FINDINGS

  • Delays and cooperation.
  • 2022 proposed CPRB expansion.

MORE ABOUT THE BOARD

  • Mission.
  • Organizational chart.
  • Board and staff.
  • History and establishment.
  • 2020 legislative action.
  • Department/bureau overview.
  • Agency goals.
  • Performance metrics.
  • Budget.
  • Programs and projects.
  • Opportunities and risks.
  • CPRB Action and Case Status Report.

Download the full report