Medina dissolves Police Reform Committee and will appoint new Police Advisory Committee

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 May 2021 at 11:54 am

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board has dissolved a Police Reform Committee that formed last summer and prepared a plan that needed to be submitted to the state as part of a police reform and collaboration mandate from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Medina sent its plan to the state in late March. That fulfilled the committee’s mission, which also included dialogue with the community about policing.

Medina village officials want to keep the discussion going, continue to look about local policing policies, and offer residents at least an annual opportunity to offer input on the Police Department.

The board is looking to fill spots on a new Police Advisory Committee. Village officials and the Police Department will reach out to members of the Police Reform Committee to see if they want to serve on the advisory committee. One of the reform committee’s recommendations was creating the advisory group.

“This advisory committee can continue the work that was started, and attempt to further build positive relations with the community,” said Lt. Todd Draper of the Medina Police Department.

The reform committee also has been asked to make recommendations of members of the new advisory committee. All members will need to be appointed by the Village Board.

The initial 12 members of the reform committee included Daniel Doctor, Pastor Jovannie Canales, Mayor Michael Sidari, Jacquie Chinn, Lt. Todd Draper, Scott Robinson, Sherry Tuohey, Chief Chad Kenward, David and Cynthia King, District Attorney Joe Cardone and Public Defender Joanne Best.

The initial reform committee updated and reviewed policies on use of force, mental health, body worn cameras, community relations, civilian personnel complaints, performance evaluations, handling deadly force incidents, and use of firearms including taser and less lethal shotgun.

The committee recommended the advisory board include a cross-section of the community and meet regularly. That community policing board would work towards forming better relations between law enforcement and the community.