Dueling protests were held outside Schenectady County Court on Wednesday, where a judge is to decide what disciplinary police records are considered public.
The Schenectady PBA has filed to prevent the release of Officer Brian Pommer’s record – and if it is, to heavily redact it. Pommer is the officer seen kneeling on Yugeshwar Gaindarpersaud in July.
The PBA argues records of unfounded allegations, or claims that didn’t result in disciplinary action, shouldn’t be released.
All of Us, which has supported Gaindarpersaud since the beginning, was outside of court demanding the records be released. “Back the Blue” supporters were also outside of court, showing support for officers.
Happening Now: All of Us is outside Schenectady County Court. They are asking for the release of Schenectady Police Officer Brian Pommer’s displinary record.
— Jaclyn Cangro (@JaclynCangro) September 23, 2020
Pommer is the officer shown on camera arresting Yugeshwar Gaindarpersaud in July. pic.twitter.com/MFkMyamCGr
“It’s our belief that there’s absolutely no reason to keep the disciplinary records, the misconduct records hidden from public view,” said Shawn Young with All of Us.
“When it rises to a criminal level, but if they are not of a criminal level, no. I don’t think so,” said William Tryon, who was on hand to back police.
The city and PBA will be back in court October 13 to further discuss the possible release of records.
