Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) today called on the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) in New York City to investigate claims of police misconduct during the public protest of war with Iraq in the City last weekend.

"It seems that more and more people come forward every day with new stories of misconduct, and that is very disturbing," said Rep. Nadler. "Though I have confidence that the majority of New York's police officers do their jobs well, and within the rules, we must nonetheless treat the complaints of the protesters with respect. The CCRB should collect and investigate these complaints immediately, and if wrongdoing is found, proper action should be taken."

United for Peace and Justice, the sponsor of the anti-war rally, is currently collecting complaints, along with the New York Civil Liberties Union. Among the complaints they have received were that some activists were trampled by mounted police, some arrestees were chained up outside police precincts for at least a half hour with no protection from the bitter cold, some arrestees were denied access to their lawyers before interrogation, and protesters were confined to an area much smaller than the boundries previously agreed upon by police and protest organizers.

The Civilian Complaint Review Board is an independent, non-police city agency with the authority to investigate allegations of police misconduct filed by members of the public against New York City police officers. The Board receives, investigates, makes findings, and recommends discipline to the Police Commissioner on complaints alleging Force, Abuse of Authority, Discourtesy and Offensive Language.

Rep. Nadler has served in Congress since 1992. He represents the 8th Congressional District of New York, which includes parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn.