Police Reform: A Continuous Improvement Process.
Syracuse residents, government officials, and coalitions of voices of all ages and races came together to confront systemic racism and improve policing policy and procedures, accountability and community relationships. This time, the movement looked and felt different. It encompassed broader coalitions and more widespread support than previous protest movements. All stakeholders recognized the need for deliberate and intentional police reform.
Mayor Ben Walsh empowered Syracuse Police Department Chief Kenton Buckner to prioritize the implementation of policies and practices to improve and further modernize the Syracuse Police Department in line with 21st Century Policing strategy, while simultaneously mending strained relations with the community. The murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 during an arrest by the Minneapolis Police Department launched massive calls for police reform throughout the world, our nation and the City of Syracuse.
In response to a clear message from our community, Mayor Ben Walsh issued Executive Order 1: Syracuse Police Reform, urgently directing his administration to take sixteen (16) actions to increase police accountability, improve transparency and strengthen police-community relations. The local provisions in the Executive Order address critical issues in the police reform movement found in national data and reports on police concerns including, but not limited to: updating the Syracuse Police Department’s (SPD) use of force policy; presence of police in schools; deployment of police on non-criminal matters; expanding the implementation of body worn and dashboard cameras; review of “no-knock” warrants; use of surplus military equipment; diversity on the police force; and training for all officers on cultural competency and the history of racism in Syracuse and the nation.
In order to address police reform throughout New York State, June 12, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued Executive Order No. 203 New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative requiring:
In Syracuse, residents, lawmakers, and growing coalitions of new and old voices were engaged in seeking improvements to police accountability and ‘more progress, faster.'”
“The local government entity which has a police agency operating with police officers as defined under 1.20 of the criminal procedure law must perform a comprehensive review of current police force deployments, strategies, policies, procedures, and practices, and develop a plan to improve such deployments, strategies, policies, procedures, and practices, for the purposes of addressing the particular needs of the communities served by such police agency and promote community engagement to foster trust, fairness, and legitimacy, and to address any racial bias and disproportionate policing of communities of color.”
The City of Syracuse and its Police Department in accordance with EO No. 203 submitted upon Syracuse Common Council approval on March 15, 2021, the Syracuse Police Reform and Reinvention Plan. The plan addresses areas of policing identified in EO 203:
- Transparency and Accountability
- Community Engagement
- Policies and Procedures
- Training & Wellness
- Diversity in Hiring and Advancement
- Alternatives to Policing
In Syracuse, residents, lawmakers, and growing coalitions of new and old voices were engaged in seeking improvements to police accountability and “more progress, faster.”
Overview of Police Accountability
(1-Page Download) Actions to Increase Police Accountability
and Enhance Police-Community Relations
- Mar 01, 2018
An Overview on Police Accountability
An Overview on Police Accountability
March 1, 2018
Cover of Syracuse Police Chief Search Community Input Report. Credit: Office of CommunicationsMayor Walsh’s focus on police-community relations and accountability began in 2018 when he entered office and began a 10 month public engagement process and search for the next police chief.
- Jun 14, 2019
Syracuse Police Enact Big Changes
Syracuse Police Enact Big Changes
June 14, 2019
In 2019, the first year of Chief Buckner’s term, the Syracuse Police updated several policies:
- Created the Office of Public Relations and welcomed transparency with the media
- Teamed officers up with mental health experts to begin Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
- Updated the department’s use-of-force, body-worn camera, and transgender interaction policies
- May 25, 2020
Murder of George Floyd
Murder of George Floyd
May 25, 2020
The murder of George Floyd by officers in the Minneapolis Police Department mobilized calls for police reform across the globe.
A memorial at what is now George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images - Jun 05, 2020
A Syracuse Movement
A Syracuse Movement
June 5, 2020
In Syracuse, residents, lawmakers, and growing coalitions of new and old voices were engaged in seeking improvements to police accountability and “more progress, faster.”
CREDIT SCOTT WILLIS / WAER NEWS. - Jun 19, 2020
Mayor Ben Walsh Executive Order on Police Reform
Mayor Ben Walsh Executive Order on Police Reform
June 19, 2020
Mayor Ben Walsh responded to the calls for change with Executive Order No. 1 outlining actions to further strengthen police accountability, transparency, and build trust.
Mayor Ben Walsh issues 16-action Executive Order on Police Reform - Dec 02, 2020
Surveillance Technology Executive Order
Surveillance Technology Executive Order
December 2, 2020
Proper oversight and community input on Surveillance Technology is one of the Mayor’s key commitments in police reform and good government
- Jan 28, 2021
Working on Police Reform
Working on Police Reform
January 28, 2021
The administration has committed to working on implementing the Mayor’s Executive Order No. 1 actions with public progress updates.
Mayor Walsh the Reporting Progress Portal to update on police reform actions - May 24, 2021
Common Council Approves Syracuse Police Reform & Reinvention Plan
Common Council Approves Syracuse Police Reform & Reinvention Plan
May 24, 2021
Syracuse Common councilors unanimously approved the Syracuse Police Reform and Reinvention Plan on Monday. It was put together in response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order No. 203 which mandates police reform in all agencies by April 1.
