Rochester PAB holds town hall meeting to discuss report on use of force against juveniles

The Rochester Police Accountability Board (PAB) conducted a town hall meeting on March 28, 2024, to discuss its findings on the use of force against juveniles by police officers. The report highlighted a concerning statistic that 80% of juveniles subjected to police force were Black, predominantly male. This gathering saw participation from various local nonprofits, advocating for mandatory certification for police officers, akin to the certification requirements for professionals like doctors and nurses. Candice Lucas of the Urban League of Rochester emphasized the necessity for such certification to ensure officers meet specific standards periodically. Despite the PAB’s capability to investigate and make recommendations, it lacks the authority to enforce disciplinary actions due to a prior court decision. This meeting underscores the community’s call for greater accountability and professionalism within the police force to address issues of disproportionate use of force against minority juveniles.

Source: Rochester First