PAC seeks public input

By CLOEY CALLAHAN
Posted 11/4/20

The Police Advisory Committee was formed over the summer and since then has been meeting biweekly to perform a comprehensive review of New York State Executive Order 203.

The New York State …

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PAC seeks public input

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The Police Advisory Committee was formed over the summer and since then has been meeting biweekly to perform a comprehensive review of New York State Executive Order 203.

The New York State Executive Order 203 was signed on June 12, 2020 by Governor Andrew Cuomo and it requires each local government in the state to adopt a policing reform plan by April 1, 2021.

In the Governor’s letter in the guidebook for the Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative, he stated that “each local government must convene stakeholders for a fact-based and honest dialogue about the public safety needs of their community.”

The City of Newburgh’s committee is helping to develop a plan to implement modifications in accordance with the guidance from New York State. The committee is comprised of community leaders, criminal justice reform advocates, faith-based leaders and concerned citizens.

During each of the meetings Newburgh Deputy Chief Arnold Amthor and Senior Advisor Robert McLymore are in attendance to discuss select policies with the committee. Committee members are able to ask any questions they have in regards to any policies discussed.

Additionally, they can give recommendations or suggestions to Amthor.

Harvey suggested that they push for a website so that the public has easy access to the documents and policies they discuss at each meeting.

“It’s important for the community to know what we’re doing,” said Harvey. “A lot of people don’t know we have a 203 committee.”

To continue widespread community discussion on the police reform work that they are doing, Harvey also suggested that they bring a couple of other members on board and add them to the committee.
“The community as a whole should be heard,” said Harvey. “If people aren’t being represented by someone, then we are missing an opportunity of doing justice for the community.”

There was significant follow up discussion regarding training for police officers.

“I will tell you that the officers will receive more training in 2020 than they have in the history of the year, and just understand it all comes at a cost,” said Amthor. “You’re talking about a significant amount of money because it’s all at a time and a half. But if it’s what the committees want and expect, then the municipalities need to understand they’re going to have to pay to do these training.”

Paying for extra training of police officers, whether it be bias training or de-escalation training, is two-fold because it costs money to not only bring someone in to do the training, but the police officers will be paid for their time..

One of the new policies they reviewed at the meeting included the use of body worn cameras, falling under the accountability and transparency areas of concern.

The final policy they discussed at Tuesday’s meeting was regarding traffic stops, specifically high risk traffic stops.

All of the suggestions and recommendations Amthor takes note of and discusses further within the Police Department.

“We are making great progress in our discussions as well as recommendations concerning the policies,” said McLymore. “We look forward to our continued efforts in working with the police and community with the reform.”

The meetings are live-streamed on the city’s website for public access and participation and questions.