Activism

Police Commission Appoints New Executive Director of Community Police Review Agency

In the wake of a national search, the Oakland Police Commission has hired Mac Muir to become the new executive director of the Civilian Police Review Agency (CPRA), which is in charge of investigating police misconduct allegations and recommending discipline. “Muir’s appointment comes as the CPRA is slated to assume many responsibilities of the Oakland Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division, a landmark transition that sets a new national standard for independent civilian oversight,” according to a City of Oakland media release.

Published

3 years ago

June 21, 2023

Oakland Post

Muir formerly served as a supervising investigator at the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), the nation’s largest civilian oversight agency. In his seven years at that agency, he oversaw many investigations, including fatal shootings, chokeholds, sexual misconduct, and false official statements in New York Police Department’s 77 precincts.

By Ken Epstein

“Muir’s appointment comes as the CPRA is slated to assume many responsibilities of the Oakland Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division, a landmark transition that sets a new national standard for independent civilian oversight,” according to a City of Oakland media release.

He supervised a team of investigators that handled more than 150 cases at a given time.

Raised in Oakland, Muir said he has a long-term commitment to the city.

“Oakland is and always has been the most important place in my life,” he said. “Growing up here shaped my commitment to challenging inequities in policing. As executive director of the CPRA, I’m committed to bolstering Oakland as a national leader in police oversight as we weigh serious challenges with real opportunity.”

In addition to working in police oversight, Muir has advised on public safety issues for presidential, congressional, and local political campaigns. Prior to working in New York, he worked for Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, the architect of the City of Denver’s civilian oversight system.

Muir received mediation training from Columbia Law School and the New York Peace Institute and has conducted mediation trainings at the CCRB.

He earned a B.A. from Oberlin College, where he studied the history of the Oakland Police Department and the Negotiated Settlement Agreement.

“Independent civilian oversight is a vital component of city government,” he said. “I’m honored to serve the Oakland Police Commission’s mission to ensure constitutional policing and reflect the needs of this brilliant community.”

He assumes his new job on June 19, 2023.