Binghamton Police Modernization Endorsed

Representatives of local civil rights and human services organizations appeared at the Binghamton City Council Business meeting June 17 to endorse the proposed Police Modernization Law to address issues concerning the diversification of the makeup of the police force and how officers interact with the public.

The Broome/Tioga NAACP, Urban League of Broome County and the Broome County YWCA read statements during the public comment session concerning the proposal drafted by the city Human Rights Commission.

The Modernization Act sets four objectives:

Affirm that racial profiling by law enforcement is illegal in the City of Binghamton.

Mandate the tracking, analysis and reporting of all traffic and pedestrian stops by the police.

Mandate comprehensive annual in-service cultural competency , implicit bias and procedural justice training of local law enforcement.

and require the police administration to develop and present a plan to diversify the make-up of the department.

The individual groups speaking at the meeting also had several other suggestions including some involving accreditation and the use of body cameras and dash cams in squad cars.