Group Wants Independent Investigation Into Police Shooting
By: Deanna King
Updated: October 18, 2011
Some community advocates are calling for an independent investigation into the police shooting of a Rochester man. The group, "Citizens Against Police Brutality and Misconduct," wants a citizen review panel that is not associated with the police department or city to investigate the death of Hayden Blackman. Blackman was shot and killed last week after police were called to a domestic dispute. Police say Blackman was holding a knife near his teenage stepson, refused to put it down and turned toward them. "It's kind of hard that the police investigate themselves," said Theodore Loria. Loria went to a "Chief on the Streets" meeting Monday night to voice his concerns about the case.
Loria has a history with the department. He successfully sued the Rochester Police Department four separate times back in the 1990's for violating civil rights. He has a 5th lawsuit pending. "When you have an independent person that has no conflict of interest it's always better," said Loria. "The person is not looking to gain or lose anything."
Police Chief James Sheppard says he understands that people have concerns about the case. However, he says a lot of people are passing judgement based on rumors and not fact. Chief Sheppard has defended Officer Randy Book who fired the shots that killed Blackman. Sheppard says Officer Book's actions were justified. "We've done complete, impartial internal investigations before. We will continue to do that in this case," said Chief Sheppard.
The Rochester Police Department recently conducted an internal investigation in the Emily Good case. She was the woman arrested after recording a traffic stop. Investigators determined the officers were out of line. The chief of that division was replaced. The officers were required to get counseling and more training. Loria says the stakes are much higher now, "They should always have a civilian review board especially in a case serious in this nature when someone lost their life."
Once the investigation is complete the results will be turned over to The Monroe County District Attorney's Office. Then, it will be reviewed by a grand jury. Officer Book has been placed on administrative duty until the internal and criminal investigation is complete.
Loria has a history with the department. He successfully sued the Rochester Police Department four separate times back in the 1990's for violating civil rights. He has a 5th lawsuit pending. "When you have an independent person that has no conflict of interest it's always better," said Loria. "The person is not looking to gain or lose anything."
Police Chief James Sheppard says he understands that people have concerns about the case. However, he says a lot of people are passing judgement based on rumors and not fact. Chief Sheppard has defended Officer Randy Book who fired the shots that killed Blackman. Sheppard says Officer Book's actions were justified. "We've done complete, impartial internal investigations before. We will continue to do that in this case," said Chief Sheppard.
The Rochester Police Department recently conducted an internal investigation in the Emily Good case. She was the woman arrested after recording a traffic stop. Investigators determined the officers were out of line. The chief of that division was replaced. The officers were required to get counseling and more training. Loria says the stakes are much higher now, "They should always have a civilian review board especially in a case serious in this nature when someone lost their life."
Once the investigation is complete the results will be turned over to The Monroe County District Attorney's Office. Then, it will be reviewed by a grand jury. Officer Book has been placed on administrative duty until the internal and criminal investigation is complete.
