Binghamton residents demand removal of Police Chief Joe Zakowski as independent probe proceeds

Dozens of residents at the Binghamton City Council business meeting on July 30 urged the council to seek removal of Police Chief Joe Zakowski, citing recent video and longstanding complaints about racial bias and misconduct. Council members said the chief is on administrative leave and that the city has retained an independent investigator with a target timeline of about 30 days; the council also confirmed that the final report will be made public.

The public comments came during the meeting’s public-comment period and focused on the same incident and broader allegations about the police department’s culture. Kenneth Brown, a West Side resident, recited salary figures for the chief and said, “We pay the guy a $152,000 a year.” Raveau Root, who said they work in the city, told the council, “Joe’s gotta go.” Andy Prigas, who…