Residents call for independent probe of Plattsburgh Police Department; FOIL concerns raised at public comment

Several residents used the public‑comment period at the Feb. 6 Plattsburgh Common Council meeting to urge an independent investigation into allegations involving members of the Plattsburgh Police Department and to request transparency through Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) disclosures.

Speakers including Cindy Snow, Jennifer Jewett and April Wood (also identified in public filings) described receiving or reviewing anonymous letters alleging misconduct and said the pattern of allegations and prior settlements have eroded public trust. One speaker referenced prior city settlements related to excessive‑force claims and asked council to refer misconduct allegations to the state law‑enforcement misconduct investigation office or the Division of Criminal Justice Services for independent review. Multiple commenters said they had filed FOIL requests for city records (city‑issued phones and communications) and that at least one appeal remained pending with the mayor’s office.

Council response: Mayor Hughes acknowledged the comments and directed staff to follow up; multiple public speakers asked the mayor and council to pursue an outside investigation rather than an internal review. Several speakers asked for assurances that anyone implicated in the allegations would not serve in advisory or consulting roles with the department while inquiries proceed.

What the council recorded: public comment is an opportunity to raise concerns; no executive‑session findings or investigatory determinations were made on the record at this meeting. Council later entered an executive session, recorded as convened to discuss matters that could imperil public safety; no public action was reported from that session when the meeting reconvened.

Next steps requested by speakers: callers asked the council to (a) report misconduct referrals to the state law‑enforcement‑misconduct review body, (b) release requested FOIL materials or complete appeals in a timely manner and (c) avoid assigning implicated individuals to consulting or department roles while inquiries are pending.

Ending: the council did not take formal investigative action on the record; speakers asked for transparency and for the council to use outside investigatory channels where appropriate.