For Immediate Release:
September 11, 2020
Council President
Scott, Joined by Councilmembers Gruber and Lupien, Introduce Legislation
Repealing Rochester Police Department Goodman Section and Southeast
Neighborhood Service Center
Council President Loretta C. Scott joined by Councilmembers
Mitch Gruber and Mary Lupien submitted legislation today that would repeal
previous legislation related to the Rochester Police Department Goodman Section
and Southeast Neighborhood Service Center. This legislation will repeal
the $12.5 million in bonding for the project and will halt any awarding of
contracts. The original legislation was passed at the August 18, 2020 Council
Meeting, and the City has not issued bonds nor signed any contracts related to
this project.
“Much has changed in our community since we met in August to
discuss this project,” said City Council President Loretta C. Scott, “We
learned of and saw the gruesome video of Daniel Prude’s death in March, this
coupled with the recent retirements and voluntary demotions of the entire RPD
Command Staff, has led the Council to reconsider the appropriateness of the
project at this time.”
“The vote last month was the
culmination of more than five years of planning to create a five-section model
of policing in Rochester. Since the vote, we learned of the tragic death of
Daniel Prude while in police custody that occurred in March. This has caused a
breach of trust in the community that makes it critical to repeal last month’s
legislation, hold off on bonding for these dollars, and reassess the long-term
plan,” said Councilmember Mitch Gruber.
“I am incredibly grateful that
we as a Council can reevaluate this project, at this critical time we need to
take a pause and engage our community about ways to reimagine public safety for
all in Rochester,” said Councilmember Mary Lupien.
The legislation and message of necessity are attached to this email. The
City Council intends to vote on this legislation at the City Council meeting on
Tuesday, September 15, 2020.
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