Police Objective Review Board

City of Troy, NY Police Objective Review Board Meeting Minutes Meeting Date: September 11, 2023 Present: Jeff Anderson Sarah Crockwell Peter McCorkle Marcus Nix Elijah Scott Starletta Smith Mayor Patrick Madden Captain Anthony Conyers Excused: Michael Tuttman Taneisha Harris The September 2023 Police Objective Review Board meeting was called to order by Chairman Marcus Nix at 6:42pm on September 11th. The roll was called, and a quorum was established. During the summer recess, Chairman Nix spoke with Brandon Lyons of the Times Union. Chairman Nix provided Mr. Lyons with an overview of the PORB’s duties, Chapter Code 79, and the process for reviewing complaints and body cam footage. Mr. Lyons also asked about the FOIL request made by the NYCLU, a case that is currently on appeal. A draft of the PORB website was sent to all members in August to be brought to a vote at the September meeting. Chairman Nix made the motion to bring it to a vote with Elijah Scott seconding the motion. The vote was unanimous to make the current design final. Encryption of the police radio has raised questions about how it could impact transparency and accountability. Captain Shane Kiley provided the PORB with some answers to those questions. Encryption is a way to protect sensitive information, witnesses/victims, and our officers. The public, including the suspects used to know that type of information when the radio was less restrictive. Encryption preserves the integrity of an investigation, and it keeps a suspect from possibly knowing any tactics being used. Captain Kiley also reiterated that the encryption changes nothing in regards to transparency as the public still has access to records via the Freedom of Information Law. Also, the city is collaborating with the county to create other forms of technology that can be used to inform the public while filtering out sensitive information. Chairman Nix put forth a proposal that the city provides the PORB with copies of the book “Opening Doors” to enhance future interaction and performance of the Board. The book would be used as a guide to improve the quality of interactions amongst members of the Board. Mayor Madden stated that he will look into the possibility of the city purchasing the books for members of the Board. Captain Conyers presented case files for OPS 23-04 and 23-06. In the review for OPS 23-04 that also included body cam footage, the Board agreed with the ISB disposition (exonerated). The officers acted accordingly, no injury was sustained by the complainant, and that the officers did not violate policy and procedure. In the review for OPS 23-06, the Board agreed with the ISB disposition (exonerated, unfounded). The investigation revealed that while the complainant did file a complaint a few years ago, they also declined to pursue charges. The case was investigated as much as it possibly could have been without cooperation form the complainant. Meeting adjourned at 8:28pm. The next scheduled PORB meeting will take place on October 2, 2023.