Rochester Police Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan has released updated policies for use of force and use of force on juveniles by city police officers.
The new policies are part of a comprehensive review ordered by the chief and were developed with a third-party consulting firm. They were developed in recognition of state and federal laws and recent court decisions. The new policies take effect immediately.
The policy starts by recognizing the sanctity of human life, and puts its preservation as the highest regard when officers carry out their duties. Language leaving decisions to an officer’s discretion are replaced by formal documented expectations and complete definitions of what constitutes force, what is and isn’t allowed.