PAB receives 50 cases in first week of accepting complaints

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The Rochester Police Accountability Board has completed its first full week of accepting complaints.

Since opening for investigations on June 20, there have been 50 people who have reached out to the PAB for help in identifying and reporting instances of police misconduct.

Between June 20 and June 26, 2022:

• Case managers processed 50 complaints.
• 27 were reported by a victim, 18 by a witness or other party.
• The preferred method of contact was via phone or the PAB online form.

Acting Manager of the PAB Duwaine Bascoe says the next step for the PAB is better educating the community on what qualifies as officer misconduct.

“The common misconception is that an officer needs to use excessive force for there to be misconduct,” said Bascoe. “But there are several forms of misconduct: If an officer has exhibited bias-based profiling against you, conducted an illegal search, or didn’t show up when you called for assistance, all are forms of misconduct too, and you should call the PAB.”

There are three ways the public can directly file a report with the PAB:

1. E-mail PAB@CityofRochester.gov
2. Call the PAB hotline at 585-557-2494
3. Or file a complaint online here
Once a complaint is filed, a PAB Case Manager will reach out within 24-48 hours. If you’re not sure if what you have experienced qualifies as police misconduct, please contact the PAB.