The City Council has unanimously approved New Rochelle’s Police Reform Plan. As noted in the document’s introduction, it contains a wide range of initiatives “intended to improve the quality, transparency, and fairness of law enforcement practices in New Rochelle, while also providing our Police Department with the support and tools necessary to discharge its vital mission.” During the past few months, the Plan has been amended several times in response to public input, including the addition of a Civilian Complaint Review Board, which will be analyzed more fully for implementation in 2022.
I offer sincere thanks to the volunteers who helped frame initial proposals, the City Administration and Police Department for their engagement, and all residents who offered constructive suggestions. Special gratitude is owed to Council Member Yadira Ramos-Herbert for her invaluable leadership of the reform process. I look forward now to working with colleagues and our community to execute the Plan’s recommendations.