Rochester Police Department: A History of Misconduct and Oversight
The Rochester Police Department (RPD) has faced significant scrutiny over several decades due to allegations of excessive force, systemic misconduct, and a lack of transparency. From the implementation of controversial surveillance programs to high-profile deaths in police custody, the agency's relationship with the community has been marked by tension and a recurring demand for greater accountability.
Key Facts
- Accountability Shift: In 2019, voters replaced a limited civilian review board with an independent Police Accountability Board possessing subpoena powers.
- Surveillance Density: A 2012 study ranked Rochester as the fifth most surveilled city in the United States.
- Controversial Tactics: "Operation Cool Down" (2012) targeted minor offenses in minority neighborhoods, leading to accusations of racial profiling.
- High-Profile Incidents: The death of Daniel Prude in 2020 led to the retirement or firing of the entire police command staff.
- Legal Battles: The police union successfully sued in 2020 to strip the Police Accountability Board of its power to discipline officers.
Civilian Oversight and Accountability
Efforts to monitor the RPD began in 1992 with the creation of a civilian review board. However, this body had limited influence, as the police chief retained final decision-making authority over all complaints. Seeking a more robust system, voters approved the creation of the Police Accountability Board in 2019.
This new nine-member independent office was granted expanded resources, including the power to issue subpoenas and discipline officers. However, this authority was short-lived; in March 2020, the New York State Supreme Court struck down the board's disciplinary powers following a lawsuit by the Rochester Police Locust Club, the city's police union. While the City Council appealed the ruling, the outcome remains pending.
Police Shootings and Use of Force
The RPD has a documented history of officer-involved shootings with varying outcomes for both the victims and the officers involved. While many incidents were deemed justified by grand juries, others resulted in criminal convictions or internal disciplinary actions.
| Victim | Date | Outcome for Victim | Outcome for Officer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Prude | March 23, 2020 | Death (Homicide) | Grand jury declined indictments |
| Thomas Johnson III | Sept 3, 2014 | Death | Johnson convicted of murdering Officer Pierson |
| Israel "Izzy" Andino | June 21, 2012 | Death | Deemed justified by Grand Jury |
| LaShedica Mason | July 10, 2005 | Survived (Severe injuries) | Officer promoted to Sergeant |
| Craig Heard | June 10, 2002 | Death | Officers transferred to other departments |
| Calvin Greene | 1988 | Death | Officer suspended without pay |
Systemic Controversies and Surveillance
Beyond individual shootings, the RPD has implemented policies that critics argue target marginalized populations. In July 2012, the department launched Operation Cool Down, an initiative designed to reduce community violence by increasing police presence in minority neighborhoods and targeting minor infractions, such as bicycles lacking bells or lights.
This strategy drew sharp criticism from the ACLU and city officials, who labeled the practice as racial profiling. Simultaneously, the city's approach to surveillance became a point of national contention. A May 2012 study found Rochester to be the fifth most surveilled city in the U.S., utilizing over 100 surveillance cameras and 25 red light cameras as of that date.
Interactions with Public Protests and Recording
The RPD has frequently clashed with civilians exercising their First Amendment rights. In May 2011, Emily Good was arrested on her own lawn for videotaping a traffic stop; charges were later withdrawn after the video went viral. Other incidents include the 2009 peace march and a 2012 anti-capitalist march, both of which ended in arrests and allegations of police brutality and excessive use of pepper spray.
Additionally, the department has been criticized for deploying riot gear at the annual Puerto Rican festival since 2004, a move organizers have described as "overkill."
Recent High-Profile Misconduct
The death of Daniel Prude in March 2020 became a catalyst for national outrage. Prude, who was experiencing a mental health crisis, died from complications of asphyxia following physical restraint by officers. The subsequent delay in suspending officers and the failure to disclose the incident until the family released body-camera footage led to massive protests. This eventually resulted in the firing of Police Chief La'Ron Singletary and the retirement of the entire command staff.
Other recent incidents include the January 2021 pepper-spraying of a handcuffed 9-year-old girl during a domestic dispute and the 2022 handcuffing of EMT Lekia Smith by Investigator Charles LoTempio. LoTempio, who had a history of excessive force and erroneous reporting, was suspended following the incident.
In 2023, the department faced further scandal when Officer Shawn Jordan was sentenced to 10 years of probation and 10 weekends in jail after pleading guilty to the rape and forcible touching of a 13-year-old girl.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Police Accountability Board?
The board exists as an independent city office with subpoena power, but a 2020 New York State Supreme Court ruling stripped it of its ability to discipline officers. An appeal by the City Council has been filed but not yet resolved.
What was Operation Cool Down?
Launched in 2012, it was an RPD initiative to curb violence by increasing police presence in minority neighborhoods and strictly enforcing minor ordinances, which led to widespread accusations of racial profiling.
How did the Daniel Prude case affect RPD leadership?
The controversy surrounding Prude's death and the department's handling of the aftermath led to the retirement of the entire command staff and the eventual firing of Police Chief La'Ron Singletary by the Mayor.
Has the RPD been ranked for surveillance?
Yes, a May 2012 national study ranked Rochester as the fifth most surveilled city in the United States, trailing only Washington, D.C., Houston, Denver, and Cheyenne.
What happened in the Emily Good incident?
In 2011, Emily Good was arrested for videotaping a police traffic stop on her front lawn. The charges of Obstructing Governmental Administration were withdrawn after the video of her arrest became a viral sensation.