Court rules against PAB again over its disciplinary powers
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Rochester's Police Accountability Board (PAB) is facing another setback in the ongoing legal battle about its authority.
A New York Supreme Court judge ruled in favor of the Rochester Police Locust Club, saying the PAB does not have the authority to discipline Rochester police officers. The judge ordered the PAB to stop issuing subpoenas to officers for disciplinary hearings.
The PAB released a statement on Wednesday, saying they will review the judge's ruling and consult with their legal counsel to 'explore all available remedies on behalf of the citizens of Rochester.'
'The Police Accountability Board (PAB) will review the Judge's ruling and consult withour legal counsel to explore all available remedies on behalf of the citizens of Rochester.The PAB was established to review civilian complaints and strengthen police-communityrelations, and we remain committed to that mission. Rochester residents overwhelminglyvoted for independent review of police civilian complaints and we will work withRochester City Council to ensure that the will of the people is balanced within theconfines of the law.'
The New York Court of Appeals made a similar decision in 2023, saying the PAB's disciplinary powers violated the Taylor Law, which required collective bargaining over the terms and conditions of employment.
The City Council has tried to reinstate an amendment to allow the board to discipline officers, but the Locust Club claimed the amendment passed without negotiation.
E2024018465_Rochester_Police_Locus_v_Rochester_Police_Locus_DECISION_ORDER___JU_103Download
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