Erie County Legislator April Baskin has asked State Attorney General Letitia James to remove state restrictions on police oversight commissions. This change would allow civilians to participate in the commissions–which investigate police misconduct.
Baskin cited Western New York’s recent police brutality–specifically the pushing of Martin Gugino and the punching of Quentin Suttles by Buffalo police officers–as reason to create a more well-rounded commission.
“These officers are a product of a system that instills an ‘us versus them’ mentality between the police and the public,” Baskin said in a letter to James. “This is no longer acceptable.”
Her primary proposal was to create a civilian oversight board with full investigatory and disciplinary powers.
“I believe that there needs to be a secure process put in place where residents can come forward, and they can honestly and effectively get an investigation done to see if their rights have been violated,” said Baskin.
As a secondary proposal, Baskin requested a regional commission to investigate allegations of police misconduct. This group would consist of a representative from James’ office, county district attorneys, internal affairs officers from local police departments, and civilians with investigatory experience.
“A regional body will ensure complaints will receive an independent, multi-jurisdictional review with authority to discipline,” said Baskin. “It will also ensure that residents who have legitimate complaints about law enforcement from municipalities that do not have a proper independent review mechanism will have an appropriate place to be heard.”
James’ office has declined to comment on the proposal at this time.
A similar civilian review board was also proposed for the city of Buffalo. The Buffalo Police Advisory Board submitted the proposal to Mayor Byron Brown and the Buffalo Common Council.
