A judge says November’s planned vote on a Rochester Police Accountability Board cannot proceed until he or an appeals court issues a final ruling in a case brought by the Rochester patrol officers’ union.
The Rochester Police Locust Club filed suit challenging the November referendum that could create a civilian Police Accountability Board. The lawsuit claims the charter amendment that would create the board violates the Civil Service Law, the collective bargaining agreement, and the law that governs negotiations between police and City Hall.
The Rochester City Council approved plans for the board back in May. Under the plan, the nine-member board would investigate claims of misconduct by officers.
Judge Ark says the ballots for November can be printed including the referendum, but no votes can be counted for it until the courts decide if the law as written is legally permissible and well-crafted.