Syracuse – Dozens of complaints about police have been filed
with the Syracuse Citizen Review Board for the past two years.
Members of United as One believe there is a systematic
problem with police misconduct in Syracuse that will require a cultural shift
and more accountability within the ranks.
“That means checking misconduct, correcting misconduct when
it occurs and not relying on a member of the public, who perhaps has been
charged with a crime, to come back and complain and perhaps put themselves at
risk,” said Barrie Gewanter, Director of the local chapter of the New York
Civil Liberties Union.
Members of United as One asked neighbors to share their
stories Wednesday night, in an effort to ensure that alleged cases of police
misconduct aren't overlooked.
"The police are constantly 24/7 policing this place and
everywhere you look they've got some kid thrown against the wall, some kid down
on the ground,” said Cheryl Ross, who lives in Syracuse.
The meeting comes weeks after a video emerged showing a
disabled man being tased by Syracuse Police after he refused to leave a bus.
The story prompted Syracuse Common Councilors to review the
police department's taser policy.