March 3rd, 2022
MARCH 3, 2022 STAFF REPORTExecutive Director Reynolds reported that the City Law Department has reviewed the draft PAB rules and
regulations for investigations. The Board will meet with them to respond to their comments.
Progress is being made in the development of a training program for staff.
The finalization of a lease contract for new office space is anticipated shortly. The logistics for the move are
being addressed by multiple support departments.
The PAB staffing model is in development and the City Human Resources Department and City Council liaison
to PAB are providing input. It is hoped that the final revision will be completed by the end of March so that new hires can be finalized by late spring. The Jobs Committee is proposing a change to PAB rules so that qualified people who have ties to the Rochester Police Department (RPD) can be considered following the proper legal procedures. Board member Dr. Harrison raised two concerns about the draft rules and regulations, namely, the processing of police records and the evaluation of police procedures and processes. The section on handling processes is not well addressed and the disciplinary section needs more Board input. Executive Director Reynolds responded that a chief of oversight position has yet to be filled. The disciplinary section can be addressed by the Board following the resolution of comments by the City Law Department.
CHAIR REPORTS
Chair Wilson and Ted Forsythe from the Police Accountability Board Alliance attended an event on reimagining
policing that was attended by several teenagers. The teens were very well informed and worked on policy
changes.
Board Member Rabbi Setel reported on the Training Committee’s work on a staff program. Board training will
include both skills and diversity/equity training. A training schedule will be set following the completion of
program development.
OLD BUSINESS
Information gaps still exist for the completion of the disciplinary matrix. Access to RPD information is needed
to finalize the analysis. The City Law Department is on board with PAB’s information request. PAB staff has
consulted with other cities that have access to RPD-type data systems. Therefore, the technology or best
practices should not be a barrier to accessing the needed information.
Board member Rabbi Setel met with Jonathan Cory to talk about restorative justice approaches. PAB may be a
pioneer in integrating this area into their processes. These approaches may be developed over time and added
to existing methods.
An update on RPD’s Wellness Training Program was reported by Spectrum News recently. PAB should also be
receiving updates and will be in the best position to observe training and review materials when PAB rules and
regulations are finalized and staff is available.
Board Member Reverend Nickoloff raised concerns about the importance of a sustained program for the longterm care of officers. PAB needs to receive more information about this program to address these concerns.
Board member Brown asked about a timeline for the filing of past complaints against officers. Generally, a
complainant has 18 months from the incident during which disciplinary proceedings can be launched and 90
days from the time of an injury to file a lawsuit. If an incident is criminal, there is no statute of limitations for
discipline. PAB needs to find out what has happened with past incidents (e.g., pepper-spraying of a 9-year-old).
Once proper access to records has been granted to PAB, incidents can be reviewed. There is a long-standing
policy that non-city employees should not have access to resources; however, PAB is working to clarify rightful
access for Board members. The Board needs to understand RPD’s inner workings to address concerns such as
the treatment of black/brown officers.
The City has released a public database of a limited set of investigations into police misconduct. The
categorization of cases has raised questions on the Board. PAB log-in access should be sought in order to answer questions.
The meeting was adjourned to an executive session which was held to discuss a particular contract renewal.
OBSERVED BY DEBORAH RICE GORDON