Civil Rights Organization Calls for Federal Monitor for the RPD

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A national civil rights organization and families impacted by police conduct are calling for a federal intervention for the Rochester Police Department.

Justin Morris, president of the Rochester chapter of The Arc of Justice, spoke outside the Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building in Rochester Tuesday evening. 

"We are gathered here today to speak out against injustices, not just of late, but continued practices of RPD,” said Morris.

The Arc of Justice and families of victims in recent police incidents are calling on the U.S. Justice Department to install a federal monitor to lead the Rochester Police Department. 

“We are calling on the justice in the Northern District of New York to initiate a federal pattern and practice investigation into the Rochester Police Department for several examples of excessive use of force,” said Rev. Kirsten John Foy, president and founder of The Arc of Justice.

Families at the center of recent police incidents also spoke about the need for reform within the city.

“I will get justice for my daughter, everything that was done was unnecessary and we’re just not going to stand for it, so I’m just going to say I would do everything that I can and I am going to do everything to make sure that we do get justice, not only for her, but for everyone RPD has hurt,” said Elba Pope, mother of a 9-year-old who was pepper-sprayed by RPD.

“It ain’t up to us to be rallying and protesting, where is our community at? Where’s the people that’s going to stand and be steadfast to what’s really going on? Stop turning a blind eye to what’s real,” said Joe Prude, brother of Daniel Prude, who died in police custody last year.

Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, who died after being put in a chokehold by an NYPD officer, traveled from New York City to support local families. 

“You could be next, and who will stand with you? That’s why I come if I can, it doesn’t have to be high profile or cases of high profile, if you take a life, that’s high profile,” said Carr.

Anderson, the cousin of Tyshon Jones, who was shot and killed by Rochester Police last week, closed the event with these words:

“Anybody who has been murdered, assaulted by a cop, should not be a sacrifice in order for this country, in order for the police to treat us, see us as human, period,” he said.

The Arc of Justice says it’s sending a letter to the U.S. Justice Department calling for federal intervention, and calling on lawmakers to empower the state attorney general to investigate racial discriminatory policing within the RPD.​

Spectrum News has reached out to the Rochester Police Locust Club for comment and is waiting to hear back.