Rochester Police Accountability Board stripped of nearly all powers after state’s highest court upholds ruling
Written by Site Hub on March 26, 2026
Source: WXXI News Published: March 23, 2026
New York’s Fourth Division Court of Appeals upheld a ruling that strips the Rochester Police Accountability Board of its investigative and disciplinary powers. The court agreed with a lower court ruling brought by the Rochester Police Locust Club union, finding that the PAB does not have the authority to investigate police misconduct, issue disciplinary recommendations, access police databases or personnel files, or review body-worn camera footage. The board, which was created by Rochester voters in 2019, is now limited to existing as an entity and making recommendations on department policy. PAB Executive Director Dr. Lesli Myers-Small said the board remains committed to serving the community and will continue to accept complaints, examine policy patterns, and pursue every lawful avenue available. The ruling does not affect the board’s ability to publish policy reform proposals.
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