FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Steuben Police Reform cited by state
BATH – The police reform plan in Steuben County has received special notice from New York State in taking proactive steps to increase its diversity in local law enforcement.
In a letter to county Sheriff Jim Allard dated Feb. 4, state Executive Deputy Commissioner Michael Green noted the county conducted a collaborative process with relevant stakeholders.
In his letter, sent to law enforcement and local governments across the state, Green cited Steuben’s process which includes encouraging candidates to take advantage of preparatory law enforcement training, conducting outreach with faith-based groups to increase interaction with youth and potential employees, and leveraging social media for additional recruits.
Providing civil service test training to prepare applicants for the entry level examination is another important element in Steuben's reform plan, he noted.
“Finally, they are tackling social justice and equality head on by working to reduce personnel complaints and adopt a county-wide reporting method and tracking system to identify key behaviors amongst their officers. These findings will better inform training and can serve as an early warning system for problematic behavior," Green wrote. “Reform is not done in a day and being able to leverage data and identify problems is key to instilling public confidence in police,” he said. Adopted by the county Legislature in January, Steuben's police reform law sets out a broad range of uniform best practices for law enforcement officers. The law includes policies already in place in 2020 and set in motion other policies to go into effect in this year. Developed in coordination with local police departments, the county district attorney, municipalities and other stakeholders along with Corning Inc. consultant Dawn White, the finished document has drawn the praise of state and county leaders.
Green noted Steuben is one of four governments in the state receiving special commendation for reform efforts.
The cities of Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse also were noted for efforts in police reform.
