NYCLU expresses concerns with RPD response to Prude protests

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) expressed "grave concerns" regarding matters surrounding the death of Daniel Prude in a letter to Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren.

The NYCLU says members have witnessed the Rochester Police Department wield "unwarranted aggression and abusive tactics" toward peaceful protesters.

The union is calling for immediate action, including ending the use of tear gas and dogs against protesters and ending the "excessive" use of military equipment at protests.

They also want to make sure that the response to mental health calls is well equipped, culturally competent and inclusive.

"To make sure that we have a mobile crisis unit that is able to respond to those incidents on time and when in need and so we’re asking for a whole new model to be put in and initiated in the City of Rochester that doesn’t yet exist," Iman Abid Chapter Director of the NYCLU said.

NYCLU’s Letter to Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren by News10NBC on Scribd

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Click here to read the letter if using a mobile device.

For more information on the death of Daniel Prude, click here.