For Immediate Release:
March 22,
2021
Rochester City
Council Passes Resolution Urging City Administration to Take Immediate
Disciplinary Action Against Officers Involved in Daniel Prude Matter
Police Chief Herriott-Sullivan has
responded to Rochester City Council’s resolution urging the City Administration
to take immediate disciplinary action against the RPD officers involved in the
death of Daniel Prude. The Chief stated that RPD’s internal investigation
into the Prude matter should be completed and that departmental charges, if
any, would be filed in April. Chief Herriott-Sullivan also stated that,
she will be mandated to follow Civil Service rules regarding policies and
procedures that are in place under the current collective bargaining agreement,
with respect to the discipline of the involved officers.
The resolution was drafted by
Council in the wake of the Attorney General Office’s failure to indict any of
the implicated officers. Eight of the nine current Councilmembers supported and
signed the resolution, including Council President Loretta Scott, Vice
President Willie Lightfoot, and Councilmembers Malik Evans, Mitch Gruber,
LaShay Harris, Mary Lupien, Miguel Meléndez and Michael Patterson. The
resolution was adopted at the March 16th Council meeting.
Resolution 2021-10 states that the Council believes city residents have a right
to see a conclusion to the matter and to see justice served, and further
demands that the Administration and the Police Chief move forward immediately
and expeditiously with disciplinary action against the officers involved in the
Prude incident. The resolution goes on to state the Council recommends
that termination of the officers be considered.
“While the investigation conducted
by the Attorney General’s Office did not result in criminal charges against the
officers involved in the Daniel Prude matter, the members of the City Council
overwhelmingly believe that these officers should have to face serious consequences,”
said Council President Loretta Scott. “Their handling of this tragic situation
resulted in the death of an unarmed man in the midst of a mental health crisis
who needed to be helped, not harmed. City Council will continue to fight for
the development and implementation of policies and practices that guard against
such tragedies.”
Attached is the response received
by City Council from Chief Herriott-Sullivan in regard to this matter - here>>.
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Media Contact: condenessa.brown@cityofrochester.gov