NYCLU Statement on Rochester Police Accountability Board Disciplinary Powers

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Yesterday the newly formed Rochester Police Accountability Board was stripped of its disciplinary powers through a decision issued in state Supreme Court. In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement from Genesee Valley Region Chapter Director Iman Abid.

“A lack of meaningful police accountability not only skirts justice, it puts people’s lives in danger when officers who repeatedly harm civilians keep their jobs. The Rochester Police Accountability Board was intended to give people a meaningful chance to seek justice when harmed by the police. Removing disciplinary powers sends a signal to residents of Rochester, especially those of color, that police who harass, harm and kill their friends and loved ones will only get a slap on the wrist.

People of color in Rochester and across America know the need for this accountability. It’s an experience lived and seen regularly and often. If we’re ever going to change the fragmented relationship between police and our community we will have to alter the power and accountability in that relationship. This decision takes us backward.”