Syracuse Police Reform
Police Reform: A Continuous Improvement Process.
Creating reform of a longstanding system requires urgency and cross-sector collaboration informed by people, data, and accountability measures. Since becoming Mayor in 2018, enhancing police accountability and improving police-community relations has been a high priority for Mayor Walsh's administration. He conducted a national search for a new police chief, appointing Kenton Buckner to the job following direct involvement and input from community stakeholders in the search. Chief Buckner immediately took on updating policies and procedures in the department, including use of force, traffic stops, body worn cameras and interaction with transgender persons. Following a use-of-force incident in 2019, Chief Buckner and Mayor Walsh conducted citywide listening sessions to address concerns about Use of Force and collect input on new policies.
A National Movement
The murder of George Floyd touched every corner of our country. Mobilized movements like Black Lives Matter as well as corporations sought changes to government policies and procedures harmful to Black people and persons of color. In Syracuse, we listened and we acted. Mayor Walsh issued the Syracuse Police Reform Executive Order outlining actions his administration will take immediately to increase police accountability and strengthen police-community relations. The work the City is engaged in is moving at a rapid pace, especially in the wake of unprecedented disruption and economic uncertainty due to COVID-19.
Transparency in Reform
Read our most recent Syracuse Police Reform Executive Order Progress updates via the below links or by +signing up for future updates via email.
- Mayor Walsh Signs Executive Order Ensuring Public Input on Surveillance Technology Proposals By City Departments
- Executive Order No. 1 Action #6: Complete Military Inventory, Policy, and Procedure
- Surveillance Technology Policy
- Executive Order No. 1 Action #15: Research Community-Based Strategies for Police Response
- Executive Order No. 1 Action #5: Develop, Implement Plan for Vehicle Dashcams