Richmond City Council has announced the appointment of Joseph Lowery as the first manager of the new Richmond Civilian Review Board.

Mr. Lowery’s duties include oversight and management of the administrative and operational functions of the Richmond Civilian Review Board.

A native Virginian, Mr. Lowery earned a bachelor’s degree in justice and risk administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Lowery served as a supervisory special agent with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), leading teams of special agents through various forms, stages, and phases of investigations.

During his more than 20 years of distinguished service with the FBI, Mr. Lowery earned numerous recognitions, awards, and letters of commendation reflecting his work, commitment, dedication and integrity, states a City Council news release.

Mr. Lowery also served five years with the Chesterfield County Police Department.

“I am committed to justice for all people and am grateful for being chosen to help guide the Richmond Civilian Review Board in this new and critically important role for our community,”

Mr. Lowery said. “I look forward to dedicating my knowledge, experience, and love for people to create and foster honest and effective collaboration, coordination, and communication between the Richmond Civilian Review Board and the Richmond

Police Department. Working together, we will help ensure a comprehensive approach to accountability and transparency that benefits all Richmond residents and the work of the Richmond Police Department.”

City Council and the mayor’s administration established the Richmond Civilian Review Board to review, investigate, and make recommendations to Council, the mayor, and the chief of police concerning internal investigations conducted by the Richmond Police Department regarding police officer-involved shootings; deaths or serious injuries of persons while held in custody; accusations of physical or verbal abuse by officers; appeals by citizens of a finding or decision; and, providing recommendations on law enforcement practices, policies, and procedures.