ROCHESTER, N.Y. —  Rochester's Police Accountability Board announced on Monday that it has made a number of key hires as it prepares to actively investigate reports of alleged misconduct within the Rochester Police Department.  

The PAB has selected Duwaine Bascoe and Chenoa Maye as deputy chiefs of investigations, Vanessa J. Cheeks as deputy chief of public information, Will Cleveland as deputy chief of accountability inspection and Melody Harkness as deputy chief of case management.

The PAB says the hires have backgrounds ranging from journalism and legal services to leadership in police oversight agencies in New York.

“Through their work in local journalism, service in Rochester’s legal community, and leadership in police oversight agencies in New York, these individuals have acquired a wealth of relevant expertise and a shared passion for our mission,” PAB executive director Conor Dwyer Reynolds said in a statement. “With these hires and those that will be made in the weeks to come, our community can rest assured that the work of reimagining public safety will be performed by exceptionally qualified people who both understand and reflect our community.”

The PAB was created in 2019 as an independent body with the authority to review and recommend discipline for police officers in cases of misconduct.

The board hopes to start launching investigations this spring.