Councilwoman Says Police Reform Talks Will Lead To Strong Finished Product

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JAMESTOWN – A Jamestown City Councilwoman is praising the work of several stakeholders in their continued discussion as to how Jamestown Police should evolve as part of New York State’s Police Reform Initiative.

Councilwoman Vickeye James has been outspoken in her wishes to create significant dialogue between police, the community and other involved stakeholders. James, during the City Council Work Session Monday night, explains that she believes the work poured into the discussions will lead to a final report that the community will be proud of.

“I know we are going to have a shining document,” James said. “A lot of people put a lot of heart and soul in it. Chief (Tim) Jackson and his police officers and our new outreach officer (Officer Matthew Reinhardt). It’s been an amazing process we’ve gone through, and it makes me really proud of our city to see the work we’ve already completed.”

James says, however, that there’s more work for the City to do in reforming its police department.

The Ward III Councilwoman, in addition, explains that Councilwoman At-Large Tamu Graham-Reinhardt and other Councilmembers were instrumental in

“We are a committee, but she has been leading this process,” James said. “I really want to thank her for her leadership in this effort. Councilmen Brent Sheldon and Jeff Russell have given a lot of input. It’s helpful to have someone that’s a retired policeman, so you get a better insight of some things. And the community itself. A lot of tireless work, and I know a lot of the stakeholders really appreciate all the work they’ve put into it.

City Councilman Brent Sheldon, who is the chair of the City Council Public Safety Committee, says that the community is able to review the public draft report on the city’s website. (The report can be found here.)

Officials say comments may be made via email to reform@jamestownny.gov. A public presentation of the document for the full City Council and community will be held via Zoom on March 22nd at 6 PM and will be broadcast on the City’s website, social media, and YouTube pages, according to the city website. The Plan will then be submitted to the Council for a vote at the March 29th voting session