Oswego Common Council Adopts Police Reform, Reinvention Plan

OSWEGO – Approval of the Police Reform and Reinvention Plan for the City of Oswego was unanimously approved during last night’s common council meeting, February 8.

The draft went through months of scrupulous planning, with community feedback becoming an integral part of the initiative’s move forward.

Mayor Billy Barlow read the final overview to chamber members last night, expressing gratitude to everyone involved in making the plan’s execution possible.

“It’s certainly been in the public for almost three months now, so we’re proud of that,” Barlow said. “And I think the final product and the public support for the plan, is really indicative of the support that the majority of the Oswego general population has for the Oswego Police Department and law enforcement as a whole… I thought the plan was a good exercise because there’s certainly always room to improve. But, to be honest, I was proud of the Oswego Police Department and how they conducted themselves before this plan was required – [I’m] proud of the process in developing this plan, and I think that this plan we’re submitting will certainly improve our department, and I’m proud of that.”

By Executive Order from Governor Andrew Cuomo in June of 2020, every law enforcement agency in the state was mandated to adopt a Police Reform Plan by April 1, 2021, or risk losing government funding.

Immediately following the order, the Oswego Police Department began formulating a revised draft, the mayor creating a six-member committee to vet the plan in November. The plan was then presented to the public via a live-streamed virtual forum in December, followed by a public comment period from December through early January.

Barlow then brought the plan before the Administrative Services Committee for approval, submitting the plan for a final public hearing and vote last night. The plan and accompanying resolution will immediately be submitted to the State of New York for approval.

“The Oswego community at large respects and appreciates the Oswego Police Department and law enforcement and want to know our city is well protected. That is why our Police Reinvention Plan is designed to bring our Officers closer to the community, allowing Officers to better know our community and the people we serve,” Barlow said. “Our plan and new initiatives are thoughtful, balanced and designed to fit our community. I’m pleased to see our plan receive public support and unanimous approval from the Common Council and believe our plan, once fully implemented, will make our Police Department better, stronger and more prepared to serve our community than ever before.”

Highlights from the City of Oswego Police Reform and Reinvention Plan are as follows:

• Incorporate Mental Health Counselors to co-respond to Mental Health, Crisis intervention calls.
• Make annual anti-bias, de-escalation & minimization of force training mandatory.
• Mandated minimum number of hours for department foot & bike patrols.
• Launch Homeless Outreach and Program Education (HOPE) Initiative to combat homelessness and poverty.
• Participate in Service to Aid Families (SAF) to follow up on police interactions and service.
• Partner with County District Attorney Greg Oakes on “Handle with Care” Program and childcare support.
• Permanently assign an Officer to Community Policing Unit to coordinate with service groups.
• Increase education and Situational Awareness Training; implement “Smart Technologies.”
• Implement regular “Quality Assurance Surveys” for department and individual Officers
• Create a consistent policy and channel for citizen and internal complaints.
• Publicize all Oswego Police Department policies and procedures, including training on city website.
• Update Body Worn Camera System and expand policy to include entire department

Common Council President Robert Corradino thanked the Police Department, fellow committee members and the community for their involvement in making the plan a reality.

 “The Oswego Police Department is a highly professional and accredited Law Enforcement Agency that has done a great job serving and protecting our community. This Reform and Re-invention Plan which had input from the community, will help the department better serve our residents with improved relationships and interactions now and in the future,” Corradino said. “Having a thoughtful and productive review of our police policies and procedures is a good way to make sure that public safety enforcement is the best it can be.  I would like to thank [Police] Chief Cady and the members of the Committee for working on this initiative, and the men and women of our Police Department who will eventually implement it.”

To view the entirety of the City of Oswego Police Reform and Re-invention Plan, please click here. Other items unanimously voted in during the meeting include:

• Approve minutes from Jan. 25 Common Council meeting.
• Appoint Commissioner of Deeds
• Approve Bond Resolution – $1,400,000 for start of the International Pier Reconstruction Plan.
• Agreement with Oswego Little League, Inc. for the use, management and control of the Fort Ontario Baseball Fields.
• Execute all lease agreements with the County of Oswego and Champion Events, LLC. for the use, control and maintenance of Legends Field.
• Agreement with the Oswego City School District for two School Resource Officers.
• Agreement with CEG CME Engineering Group, D.P.C. for the Construction Phase Geotechnical Services for the International Pier Project.
• Approve bid submitted by W. D. Malone Trucking for general construction of the International Pier Structural Stabilization Project.
• Authorize City engineer to develop bid documents for future repairs, rehabilitations relocation and/or upgrades to the Gardenier Creek Storm Sewer System.
• Approve Solid Waste Licenses for the 2021 year.

Common Council meetings are held the second and fourth Monday of every month. The next meeting will be held on Monday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m. To view last night’s agenda, please click here.

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