Rochester Appeals Ruling Stripping Power from Police Accountability Board

The Pasadena Community Police Oversight Commission is considering formal recommendations to limit the practice of "curb-sitting" during police traffic stops, citing community concerns about dignity and racial profiling. Proposed changes include requiring officers to document circumstances when curb-sitting is used and updating data collection to track these incidents separately, enabling better analysis of its use and impact. Meanwhile, in Rochester, a state Supreme Court ruling has stripped the Police Accountability Board of its investigatory and disciplinary powers, reducing it to an advisory role; the city is appealing this decision, but the board's future effectiveness remains uncertain. The ruling prevents the board from investigating misconduct, subpoenaing witnesses, or accessing police data, greatly diminishing its oversight capabilities. These developments highlight ongoing challenges in police accountability and community trust efforts, underscoring the importance of transparent practices and robust civilian oversight in law enforcement. Both Pasadena and Rochester are actively grappling with how to balance officer safety, community dignity, and effective accountability mechanisms.