Police Accountability Board releases draft for disciplinary guidelines, seeks public input

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Police Accountability Board released a draft on Monday of its proposed guidelines to discipline officers when the board finds that they engaged in misconduct.

The board is looking for public feedback on the draft before it gets approval. The public comment period is open until December 2.

Read more: Police Accountability Board now accepting complaints

The guidelines show five levels of misconduct, based on how much the officer’s actions harm community members. The lowest level, for “minimal negative impacts on the community or department image”, would result in a written reprimand or counseling for the first offense. The highest level, for unethical behavior that severely harms community members, would result in termination. The document said the improper use of deadly force is one example of misconduct that would lead to termination.

The board identifies misconduct as actions that don’t align with the values of the Rochester Police Department. These values include serving mankind, protecting the innocent, and preventing bias from influencing decision-making.

The document says that: “The purpose of the outcome guidelines in this Disciplinary Matrix is to set expectations for the Rochester Police Department (RPD) and the Police Accountability Board (PAB) and provide greater transparency to the public. The matrix makes officers aware of potential consequences for their actions and ensures that discipline is assigned in a fair and rational way.”

If you want to send feedback on the draft, you can submit your comments:

• Online at rocpab.org
• By phone at 585-428-8852
• By email at PABFeedback@CityofRochester.gov
• By mailing your comments to 245 E. Main Street Rochester, NY 14604

You can read the complete draft here: