City of Rochester
News Release
(Tuesday, April 26, 2022) –
Mayor Malik D. Evans and Interim Police Chief David Smith today announced that
the Rochester Police Department has developed a series of new policies and
procedures that will ensure citizens’ right to fairly and safely exercise their
First Amendment right to protest.
Beginning today, the following
policies will be in effect for RPD response to protests and mass gatherings in
Rochester:
The use of tear gas, flash bangs, long range
acoustical device (LRADS) tones, and kettling is banned.
Mandatory wearing of body-worn cameras by
police officers while at assemblies.
Officers will not tape over their badges. If a
determination is made by the Police Chief that Officers may remove their name
badges to protect their safety, Officers will wear a clearly identifiable,
unique number assigned to them that will be prominently displayed at all times.
Significant limitations are imposed on use
of pepper balls. Any use of pepper balls must be authorized by a high
ranking official and they may not be used to clear an area during a peaceful
event.
Use of K-9 officers are prohibited
at protests and mass gatherings.
The City’s Corporation Counsel will be
included in all planning discussions for protests and mass
gatherings and will be present with RPD command staff during an event.
Language added to the Police Department’s
eviction protocol clarifies the right to protest and to take video at the
scene. The policy specifically prohibits the arrest of protestors at
evictions unless they physically interfere with officers.
“We can debate about who is
right or wrong about the issues behind social movements, but one thing that is
not debatable is the right of the people to peaceably assemble,” said Mayor
Evans. “We want to ensure that, in Rochester, assemblies take place in a manner
that is safe for both protestors and police.”
“We’ve learned a lot over the
past two years with regard to police-community interactions,” said Chief Smith.
“Our officers remain committed to protecting our community, and that includes
those who exercise their rights to peacefully protest.”
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