September 2023 Meeting Summary

• PAB now has a full complement of management team members.  Rosabel Antonetti is Director of Case Management and three investigators have been hired.  Additional staff positions should be posted in the future.
• As of July 14^th, we have not been receiving information requested from the Rochester Police Department (RPD).   This has impeded the investigative process.  RPD has said that they are waiting for a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed with PAB before information is released.  Turning over the name of the complainant is one issue being addressed.  In the meantime, PAB is working as it can on cases and is hoping for a quick resolution to the problem. 
• Training is proceeding and staff and Board members will be attending the National Association of Counties (NACo) conference in November.
• A direct language line is now operational, giving staff translation services.
• Delores Ivey-Paige gave an update for the Case Management Division.  Processes are being streamlined to improve efficiency.  The next version of I-Sight, the case management system, is being installed in the next few weeks.  Case managers are participating in community events to answer questions that the public may have. 
• De’Jon Hall gave an update for the Policy and Oversight Division.  A secure file transfer system has been established with RPD.  They were able to transfer over 150 files concerning the Oversight Division investigation of beanbag gun usage and use of force involving juveniles.  This information is being reviewed, cataloged, and assessed to identify any patterns or practices of concern. The public input period has been completed for the latest proposal for change entitled Right to Know.  Feedback was received from nearly 100 Rochestarians and those comments are being analyzed.   A draft review of RPD’s General Order 680 is nearly completed.  This order concerns RPD’s policies during protests or order of operations during mass demonstrations.
• Natalie Banks gave an update for the Public Affairs Division, which is part of both the Communications and Community Affairs groups.   The new website launched on September 1^st.  The vendor needs to make a few edits which should be completed by next month. PAB has a new language translation line and several social media posts have informed the public.  Radio ads about PAB in general are also running on a few stations.  The focus is on Latino applicants for current and upcoming job openings, which include a community engagement manager and a community engagement specialist.  Community engagement has also been present at various Latino community events in addition to other general events.

• Elizabeth B., the new Director of Investigations, was welcomed.  Sherry Walker-Cowert and all the staff were thanked for their work in filling staff positions, allowing the PAB to function more efficiently and effectively.
• Direct access to RPD data has been part of the charter since the beginning.  We have received support from some  council members and it is hopeful that we will have access cleared soon.
• More openings will be added to those already posted, so if anyone knows of community members that may qualify, please let them know.  A Board seat is also still vacant and needs to be filled as well.
• On October 18^th at 2 pm a hearing will be held to debate granting PAB disciplinary powers.  The hearing will be public and streamed online (check youtube and NYS court websites).  PAB has been waiting for this court decision to support the charter which was voted on by Rochestarians.  A final court decision will not be announced at the hearing.

• A meeting was held, and the search process was reviewed.  A meeting to complete the Executive Director Request for Proposal (RFP) is pending.

• Training for new Board members is underway.

• Rules for investigation have been amended to reflect current programs and staffing.  A motion to approve the amended rules passed.