In response to the 1997 fatal shooting of Daniel Mendoza by off-duty LVMPD officers, minority communities from the city joined in efforts to establish an independent citizen police review board with subpoena power and the authority to recommend sanctions for officer misconduct.

The LVMPD Citizen Review Board’s purpose is to serve as a fair and independent civilian oversight agency that reviews complaints of alleged misconduct against LVMPD commissioned officers and to review internal investigations performed by LVMPD Internal Affairs. Having an oversight board in place with this authority provides LVMPD with accountability and transparency.

The CRB is composed entirely of highly trained civilian volunteers. The board makes objective determinations on the merits of each separate complaint while respecting the rights of both citizens and officers.

CRB members may recommend disciplinary action (if findings show that misconduct occurred), that additional training be provided, or even that changes be made in policy where warranted.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Citizen Review Board (“CRB”) is composed of 25 citizen volunteers who are appointed by two members of the Las Vegas City Council and two members of the Clark County Board of County Commissioners. The CRB was established to review and investigate claims of misconduct by commissioned officers of LVMPD. In addition, N.RS. 289.387(4)(b) authorizes the CRB to review internal investigations performed by LVMPD Internal Affairs. The LVMPD is advised by the CRB as to citizen complaints along with departmental policies, procedures, and practices.

The LVMPD Citizen Review Board is the only civilian police oversight agency in the State of Nevada.

On average, between 250 and 300 complaints are filed each year.

Examples of allegations reviewed include:

As Clark County employees, our executive director and office assistant are dedicated to ensuring fair and impartial hearings. Our executive director facilitates and moderates hearings but does not vote or author findings. The chairperson of each hearing is responsible for writing decisions and recommendations.

The Citizen Review Board’s agendas and findings are released to the public upon request.

Finally, the sheriff uses his or her discretion in determining whether to accept the CRB’s findings and recommendations.

Julie Kraig was appointed as Director of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Citizen Review Board in June of 2020. At that time, the country was in crisis with heightened racial tension between citizens and police, and national protests were taking place in light of the recent death of George Floyd. Director Kraig’s years of previous experience in police oversight allowed her to step in during this tenuous time and make an immediate impact in the Las Vegas community with respect to the complex nature of citizen and police relationships. Director Kraig's dedication to fostering amicable relationships, as well as her unwavering ability to impartially navigate the ever-changing culture of policing, has significantly aided in her ability to successfully lead the Citizen Review Board (“CRB”). Her oversight involvement includes:

Director Kraig is widely recognized for her decades of experience and leadership in the Las Vegas legal community. She worked for over 20 years at a prominent Las Vegas insurance defense law firm that was founded by the late U.S. Senator for Nevada, Harry Reid. During her time with the firm, Ms. Kraig was acclaimed for the integrity she espoused. In addition, she gained invaluable experience in the legal field, especially in the arena of negotiations. Director Kraig also possesses a unique talent for facilitating often difficult discussions during Citizen Review Board hearing panels.

It is Director Kraig’s priority to ensure board members are properly vetted and trained. She also actively strives to maintain open and honest communication with LVMPD. Director Kraig remains relentless in her objective of ensuring LVMPD remains transparent and accountable in its dealings with the Las Vegas community as well with the tens of millions of visitors who visit the Las Vegas valley annually.

As a testament to her commitment to professionalism and ethical standards in law enforcement oversight, Director Kraig was recently credentialed as a Certified Internal Affairs Investigator/Supervisor. This achievement is indicative of Director Kraig's passion of maintaining integrity and accountability in any system she oversees. Her educational background in political science and government, along with her community service work, further underscores Director Kraig’s dedication to the betterment of the Las Vegas community. Early in her career, Director Kraig was employed by a prestigious boutique law and lobbying firm on Capitol Hill.

In addition to possessing decades of legal and case management experience, Director Kraig has devoted countless hours to various community service organizations in the Las Vegas valley. Director Kraig’s passions include rescuing senior golden retrievers, following the Vegas Golden Knights, attending Las Vegas Aviators games, watching college football, and traveling.

Director Kraig is a proud member of the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (“NACOLE”), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (“IACP”), and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (“NAWLEE”).