<!– wp:tadv/classic-paragraph –>
<p>Eight members of the Rochester City Council have signed a letter to Rochester’s interim police chief, urging her to ban the use of chemical irritants on protesters. The letter, signed by all members except for Jose Peo, also calls for clear “rules of engagement” and a “posturing protocol” for control of unruly crowds.</p>
<p>Council released its letter to Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan shortly before State Attorney General Letitia James was due to release the results of her grand jury probe into the death of Daniel Prude. Prude died nearly a year ago after he fell unconscious while being restrained by Rochester police officers during a psychological breakdown. When news of the incident was released months later, angry crowds rallied in the city and one of those rallies turned to violence.</p>
<p>City Council President Loretta Scott said the City Council is focused on citizens’ rights to protest peacefully and safely for some time. She said council has called on the RPD to implement its changes immediately.</p>
<!– /wp:tadv/classic-paragraph –>
