A judge has struck down a key provision of Rochester's new Police Accountability Board in a ruling that's already being slammed by City Council, which says it will appeal.
Judge John Ark's ruling says the board's role of conducting disciplinary hearings on police officers goes against New York State law and the Rochester City Charter, and must be stricken from the legislation. That would leave the panel with only an advisory and policy setting role, stripping away civilian conduct of officer disciplinary actions. The judge is ordering City Council to amend the law or repeal the contradictory provisions in the City Charter.
The case was brought by the Police Locust Club, the patrol officers' union.
The PAB was overwhelmingly approved by a referendum last November. City Council President Loretta Scott says the court's decision goes against the will of the citizens of Rochester and City Council stands ready to appeal Judge Ark's ruling.