Peekskill To Hold First Meeting Of Police Reform Task Force

PEEKSKILL, NY — Peekskill’s Police Reform Task Force will hold its first public meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 1 with options for in-person and virtual attendance.

Chaired by Peekskill Mayor Andre Rainey, the task force is leading a community engagement process that will result in police reform recommendations, to conform to New York State Executive Order No. 203 – New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative.

The public meeting will include appointments to the Task Force, statements from Task Force members as well as police policy reports from Peekskill Police Chief Don Halmy and County Police Task Force Co-Chair Mayo Bartlett.

Those attending virtually can watch the broadcast live on the city’s website or when it is replayed later on the Government Access Cablevision Channel 78 / Verizon Fios Channel 28.

Limited in-person seating will be available at the Neighborhood Center at 4 Nelson Ave. Masks are required and social distancing will be enforced. Body temperature checks will also be taken at the door.

Public comment may be made in-person by calling (929) 205-6099 or via Zoom.

The public is encouraged to review the Task Force webpage prior to the meeting, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo's mandate and related documents, to understand the scope of the Task Force’s work. Both individuals and representatives of groups are welcome to speak.

Executive Order 203, which follows the aftermath of the George Floyd killing, requires City Managers and Police Chiefs to draft reform plans in consultation with the communities they serve.

Each police agency's reform plan must address policies, procedures, practices and deployment, including but not limited to use of force, and address issues of racial disparities wherever they exist. The reform plan must incorporate community comments, involve diverse stakeholders, and be adopted by April 1, 2021 to keep the municipality eligible for future state funding for police.

The Peekskill Police Task Force Organizing Committee has met several times, and reviewed almost 30 applications from those interested in serving on the Task Force and participating in other ways.

The committee includes Mayor Rainey, Valerie Eaton (President, NAACP-Peekskill), Susie Erdey (Chair, Human Relations Commission), Councilman Ramon Fernandez (Liaison to Police Department), Police Chief Don Halmy and City Manager Andy Stewart.

Mayo Bartlett, Co-Chair of the County Police Reform Task Force and noted advocate for racial justice in policing, is advising the process.

Peekskill City Hall is located at 840 Main Street and can be reached at 914-737-3400. For the latest news and updates, visit the City of Peekskill online at www.cityofpeekskill.com and on Facebook (@PeekskillGov).