Mayor: Human Rights Commission Will Review Local Policing Practices

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JAMESTOWN – The newly reinstated Jamestown Human Rights Commission will be tasked with reviewing the city’s policing practices to comply with a recent police reform law passed in New York State.

Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist told WNYNewsNow in an interview on Thursday the group will not only advise his office and city council but has the power to investigate city government and make recommendations to officials.

“We have to undergo a review of our police practices in order to retain State funding by next year,” said Sundquist. “As part of that we’re going to ask the commission to help us through that process, help us to evaluate our policies and procedures along with our community, and ensure that we’re doing the right thing at this time.”

So far, Sundquist says he has conducted around 50 interviews and received over 80 applications from residents wanting to serve on the commission.

“In all of the conversations I find that people have a lot of energy and passion for making some real change in the city,” said Sundquist. “I’m excited to bring back the Human Rights Commission at to help us as an Administration, help me as a mayor, and our city council better understand what’s going on in our community and to deal with issues of race religion nationality and ethnicity.”

The Mayor says he hopes to have a final list of appointees ready for the city’s August voting session.

In total, the commission will feature 12 citizen members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Members would serve a three-year term.

He hopes the commission can hold its first meeting in early September.