November 18th 2021
STAFF REPORTMarina Pacheco Walker has been hired as a clerk to support the Board. The City Council has approved contracts with Coordinated Care Service of Rochester (CCSI) to provide a training program to PAB and staff and the Empire Justice Center to help develop a comprehensive foreign language access plan. A contract to redesign the PAB website was also proposed. A new contract has been signed with Causewave Community Partners (formerly the Ad Council) to help with our public awareness campaign in the new year.
The City administration announced the creation of a civilian panel to interview candidates for police force positions. The panel is an attempt to fulfill a proposal in the Police Reform Plan which was adopted earlier this year. Panel members will be selected by a three-member committee. The Committee will begin accepting applications in January.
PAB has been focused on hiring. It hopes to make job offers to the initial group of candidates by the end of the week.
Chair Reports
On November 13, Chairperson Wilson and Executive Director Reynolds gave an overview of PAB and community policing as part of a meeting for local elected officials. They also met with Interim Police Chief Smith to introduce the Board and learn about the changes being made in RPD programs. An officer wellness program is being developed to include mental health. PAB staff with be meeting frequently with the RPD staff as the disciplinary matrix is developed.
OLD BUSINESS
The following revised draft mission statement was discussed by Board members:
“The Police Accountability Board’s mission is to center community voices in reimagining public safety. The PAB will create accountability, transparency and systemic change within the Rochester Police Department.”
Several revisions were suggested. Further discussion on the statement was tabled until the next meeting.
The communication plan overview was presented by Natalie Benson. In July 2021, Causewave Community Partners was engaged to develop a strategic plan that would use multiple media resources to increase public awareness of the PAB and to educate the community on the complaint process. The short-term goals were to build awareness of job openings and build understanding and trust for PAB’s role. Long-term goals included encouraging the reporting of incidents through the new process and establishing PAB credibility among city residents. Draft key messages and implementation strategies in support of these goals were created. Implementation of this year-long plan begins next week although some team positions have yet to be filled. A motion to approve the framework as presented was passed.
NEW BUSINESS
A disciplinary matrix proposal was presented by Executive Director Reynolds. PAB must create non-binding disciplinary guidelines combining input from the community, RPD, and the Locust Club with expert knowledge on discipline. Formation of a three-member matrix committee was suggested that would have support from PAB staff, SMK Consulting and others as needed. A framework for obtaining input from various impacted community groups was also presented. Committee tasks and timelines and the possibility of a restorative-focused matrix were debated by the Board. A motion that amended the proposal to substitute the Board as a whole for a subcommittee and forego the identification of work hours was approved.
An executive session was held to discuss the hiring of specific job candidates.