Schuyler posts draft police reform plan

SCHUYLER COUNTY--The Schuyler County Task Force on Police Reform has posted for public review, the draft police reform plan required by New York state Executive Order No. 203. The link to the report is at www.tinyurl.com/schuylerpolice.
The Schuyler County Task Force, formed in November of 2020, began conducting a review of policies, procedures, training and community programs of the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office. A plan was developed after a review of police force deployments, strategies, policies, procedures, and practices through consultation with community stakeholders. This plan will enable the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office to continue its community-oriented policing strategies while working towards further reducing racial disparities in policing. To assist with launching this plan, Schuyler County developed a survey that was distributed to residents in each of the 12 municipalities within the county last November. Statistics from the survey were compiled in December, and a public presentation was held in January. Schuyler County also held online meetings with the community starting in December and into February.
The result of the aforementioned efforts is the draft plan that County Administrator Tim O'Hearn encourages public review and comments.
The plan is scheduled to be considered for ratification at the Schuyler County Legislature meeting, March 8.
Additionally, a dedicated page on the Schuyler County website has been created to ensure public input and transparency and contains records of all actions concerning this initiative. The page can be accessed at https://www.schuylercounty.us/1046/Schuyler-CountyPolice-Reform-Initiative.