The Police Accountability Board Alliance is calling out Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren for what they claim undermines their work.
At a news conference Tuesday, the group rejected the mayor’s proposal to create a police accountability board. The sticking point is the disciplinary factor in the board's plans.
The alliance says under the mayor’s proposal, the board's power to review Rochester Police Department policies and procedures, including use of excessive force, would be severely limited.
“So right now in order to move forward we believe that that change has to take place and with discipline in the hands of the community, we think then that justice will truly be served,” said Pastor Wanda Wilson, Police Accountability Board Alliance member.
The proposal lays out a body comprised by three members directly appointed by the mayor, three by Council, and three by the Police Accountability Board Alliance, which has long pushed for such an investigative body.
It would have power to investigate actions of police officers that would have the ability to issue subpoenas and set up discipline levels.
Mayor Warren responded in a statement saying, "I am looking forward to working with City Council and community stakeholders to develop a legally permissible Police Accountability Board that will improve public safety by improving the public's trust and creating a fully transparent investigative process that's fair to both the community and the officers."
The proposal is set to be discussed at the next City Council Public Safety Committee meeting on January 10, 4:00pm at City Hall.
The alliance calls on supporters to attend the meeting and to voice their opposition to the mayor’s proposal. Supporters can also attend the “Speak to Council” session on Tuesday January 15, 6:30pm at City Hall.