During a recent meeting, the Police Accountability Board (PAB) presented a comprehensive proposal titled \"The Cost of Misconduct,\" aimed at analyzing the financial implications of police misconduct in Rochester. The presentation, led by a policy data analyst, outlined the project's objectives, methodologies, and findings, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the civil claims process against the Rochester Police Department (RPD).

The PAB's analysis drew comparisons with other municipalities, highlighting significant expenditures related to police misconduct. For instance, the city of Chicago reported $46.8 million in litigation costs against its police department in 2019, while Austin, Texas, identified $4.7 million in annual taxpayer spending from 2012 to 2018. Notably, Rochester declined to participate in a national study by the Washington Post, which found $3.2 billion spent across 25 major police departments on civil claims.

The report underscored the tragic case of Daniel Prude, whose death in 2020 during a police encounter sparked public outcry and led to substantial settlements. The PAB aims to quantify the financial burden of such incidents on Rochester taxpayers, revealing that from 2011 to the present, the city budgeted $21 million for civil claims but actually spent $48.7 million—more than double the budgeted amount.

Rochester's civil claims process was described as centralized, with the city’s law department controlling decisions on settlements and litigation. This contrasts with cities like Buffalo and Syracuse, where decision-making is more diffused, potentially leading to better outcomes. The PAB's findings indicated that while Rochester had the lowest number of claims per capita compared to its peers, it had the highest average payout per resident, suggesting that claims in Rochester may be more severe or that procedural differences affect outcomes.

The report also highlighted discrepancies in data reporting, noting that only 300 of 900 civil claims filed against the RPD were reflected in the department's internal records. This lack of alignment raises concerns about the effectiveness of the RPD's early intervention system, which relies on accurate data to identify officers at risk of misconduct.

In response to these findings, the PAB made several recommendations, including implementing a quality assurance plan for civil claims data, conducting timely investigations into claims, and enhancing the use of data in the RPD's early intervention system. The PAB emphasized that these changes could significantly improve accountability and transparency within the department.

The meeting concluded with council members expressing appreciation for the thoroughness of the report and a commitment to exploring the recommendations further. The PAB's initiative marks a critical step toward addressing the financial and social impacts of police misconduct in Rochester, aiming to foster a more accountable and transparent law enforcement system.