Social justice activists are taking local government officials and police to court for alleged violations of their civil and constitutional rights.
The class action lawsuit was prompted, in part, by the police response to protests in Rochester over the death of Daniel Prude.
The plaintiffs are calling for an independent federal monitor to reform the Rochester Police Department's "policies and practices" regarding use of force and conduct during protests.
The suit is being filed in federal court by Free The People ROC, the National Lawyers Guild in Rochester, and ten individuals.
It names as defendants the mayor of Rochester, the current and previous police chiefs, the county executive, the sheriff and officers, deputies and state troopers.