The Subcommittee on Police Policy Review will be holding community forums in Lockport’s neighborhood parks over the next several weeks. The newly formed subcommittee of 12 members, along with Mayor Michelle Roman, is charged with reviewing policing policies with local citizens, city government and the Lockport Police Department. The goal of the forums is to gain direct feedback from the community.
The first of these forums will be held Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Rogers Park. Additional gatherings are scheduled at Grossi Park on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m.; Dolan Park on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m.; Children’s Park on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 6:30 p.m.; William Street Park on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m.; Outwater Park on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 11 a.m.; Kibler Park on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m.; and Willow Park on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Additionally, a survey is being created that Mayor Roman says will help, “continue the conversation and update policies that will impact the culture and build trust and positive relationships within the department, its officers and with the community at large.”
The subcommittee’s goal is to have a recommendation to present by the end of September or early in October for public input and review. The group would then present a recommendation to the Police Board and Common Council later in October or early in November.
The Subcommittee on Police Policy Review was formed after New York state legislation was passed earlier this year requiring local governments with police departments to form a review of policing policies with the community, legislative body and police by November 2020, and have it take effect by April 1, 2021.