NYCLU Statement on Rochester City Council Passing Legislation to Hold Police Accountable
ROCHESTER – The Rochester City Council today passed legislation that brings the city closer to creating a civilian-controlled Police Accountability Board with the power to investigate complaints from residents and to discipline officers who the board determines have abused people. The legislation creates a referendum that will go to voters, who will have the final say on whether the board is created.
The following statement is attributable to the New York Civil Liberties Union’s Genesee Valley Chapter Director Iman Abid:
“This legislation takes Rochester one step closer to breaking through the blue wall that protects abusive police officers. We know what happens when we allow police to police themselves. Too often, they escape punishment when they abuse the people they are supposed to protect. In November, Rochester voters have the chance to put our city at the fore of the police accountability movement by approving this measure.”
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