In June, Governor Cuomo enacted an executive order on Police Reform and Reinvention requiring each government entity in New York which has a police agency to perform a comprehensive review of current police force deployments, strategies, policies, procedures and practices and develop a plan to improve these areas. This coincided with a similar request by the New Rochelle City Council, also in June.
To facilitate the review and formulate such a plan, New Rochelle City Manager Charles B. Strome, III has proposed the creation of a 15-member Police Review Committee. The Committee will examine the following issues:
- Use of Force policy/training
- Data disclosure and transparency
- Community engagement
- Oversight/Discipline/Complaint procedures
- Equipment
- Other issues
New Rochelle residents and business owners are invited to apply. Applications will be open July 23-31, with a committee being selected by August 5. Non-voting members from Police and other City staff, as well as a facilitator, will be selected by the Police Commissioner and the City Manager to provide information and support to the Committee. The committee will meet in in August and September, and a draft report is expected for presentation to City Council in October. The Governor’s Executive Order requires a report submission by April 1, 2021.
To apply on line, visit www.newrochelleny.com/NRPDreview. Paper applications are also available at City Hall in the Office of the City Clerk, 515 North Avenue, New Rochelle during business hours M-F 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
For further reference, in July, the Police Department presented a special report to City Council, offering a historical perspective on past practices, an outline of current practices, and steps planned for the future.