In 2019, Rochesterians overwhelmingly voted to amend the City’s constitution to create the Police Accountability Board. Section 18 of the Charter contains a set of laws and directives that define the PAB’s mission, goals, and capabilities.

Under the Rochester City Charter, the PAB is a nine-member Board, four of whom are residents from each one of Rochester’s City Council Districts. 

Rochester City Council District Map.

City Council created Rochester’s PAB in 2019 after receiving overwhelming public support after City Council sent a ballot-initiative to voters during the fall elections. City Council’s objective in creating the PAB was, and remains, to bring greater public accountability to the Rochester Police Department. 

Our purpose

Our purpose is to fairly investigate and make determinations respecting complaints of misconduct involving sworn officers of the Rochester Police Department. The Police Accountability Board shall be the mechanism to investigate such complaints of police misconduct and to review and assess Rochester Police Department patterns, practices, policies, and procedures. The Police Accountability Board shall ensure public accountability and transparency over the powers exercised by sworn officers of the Rochester Police Department. The Police Accountability Board shall provide a nonexclusive alternative to civil litigation.

Our mission and vision

The PAB’s Mission is to ensure public accountability and transparency over the powers exercised by sworn officers of the Rochester Police Department. Our Vision is to reimagine public safety. 

Learn more about PAB