Civilian Complaint Review Boards: An Evaluation of Impacts on Police-Citizen Violence

• In Event: Organizational Dynamics and Institutional Reform

Abstract

In the wake of several high-profile and controversial incidents involving police use of force, there have been concerted efforts to systematically review and reform police practices. Among these reforms is the operation of civilian complaint review boards (CCRBs), which proponents praise for their ability to provide transparency and oversight. However, empirical research on the effectiveness of CCRBs and other accountability tools in reducing police-citizen violence is underdeveloped. This study draws from a variety of national data sources concerning police organizational and ecological characteristics, incidents of deadly force, and police victimization to examine the impact of CCRBs on fatal police shootings and firearm assaults on officers. It also considers the varying effects of CCRBs by assessing their impact on agencies with different organizational and ecological contexts. The findings, along with their implications for police reform efforts and future research directions for CCRBs, will be discussed.

Authors

• Kendyl Geathers, Florida State University

• Keller Sheppard, Florida State University