Corning’s police department is working with the community for its Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative. It's an opportunity for officers and neighbors to have their voices heard.

What You Need To Know

  • Corning is working with community and police to make a reform plan

  • The process will include public forums and conversations with community leaders

  • It stems from a June mandate from Governor Cuomo

“How can we improve service? How can we better meet your needs in the community and how can we as police better serve you," said Steuben County Sheriff James Allard.

It stems from a state mandate Governor Andrew Cuomo issued in June. Local governments need to sit down with police and community members to come up with a reform plan.

“We’ll look at all of our policies and procedures, look at our training, and then educate the public on what our current practices are and hear their input on how we can make improvements," said Corning City Manager Mark Ryckman.

Groups like the NAACP, Corning Community College, and churches will have seats at the table.

“I’ve been in this community for 14 years. I know a lot of the organizations, I know a lot of the individuals who lead these organizations, so I will play a role in making sure we have a cross section of our community at the table," said Corning Inc. Program Manager Dawn White.

White is organizing the city’s effort to make a template plan, one that can be adapted to the other 16 police forces in Steuben County.

“I’m very excited about the fact that we get to have discussions, sometimes uncomfortable discussions, with folks that we wouldn't normally have those discussions with," said Allard.

Public forums will be part of the process, allowing even more input.

“I’m hoping that we truly come together and come up with a plan that addresses perceived gaps, right? I hope that we look and make what we have better," said White.

Information throughout the process will be posted on the city’s website.