Police Reform Initiative
About the Village of Rhinebeck Police Reform Initiative
In June 2020, Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 203 called for municipalities to review policies and procedures.
In the wake of George Floyd’s death in May 2020, our country was confronted with the results of generations of injustice and systemic racism. In June Governor Cuomo signed Executive Order 2032 requiring local governments with police agencies to review their strategies, policies, procedures, and practices, particularly regarding “any racial bias and disproportionate policing of communities of color.”
The Village of Rhinebeck’s Community Policing Reform Committee was formed by Gary Basset, Mayor and Chief of Police, in response to Executive Order 203. Mayor Bassett and Officer in Charge Pete Dunn have been hosting working sessions with selected community members to identify ways to improve policies and procedures and to develop new approaches that concerned citizens bring to the forefront.
The Village of Rhinebeck’s Community Policing Reform Committee consists of: Albert Cousins, Debi Duke, Vicki Rivera, Father Richard McKeon, Arun Lahiri, Yavette Bairan, Terri Hall, Margaux Epter, Radha Lahiri, Pete Dunn, Trustee Ric Lewit, and Mayor Gary Bassett
So far, this Committee has:
developed a public survey
reworked the formal complaint and feedback mechanisms to be more accessible and welcoming
fleshed out Police Department’s page on the Village’s website
provided more information to bolster understanding of the police department’s role and staffing
added to 24 hour hotline emergency resources that are better served by others than a 911 call
added additional health and human services non-emergency resources to the website
Additionally, Sgt Dunn is working to complete a thorough modernization of policies and procedures through the Village’s new contract with Lexipol.
View the final plan submitted to the state here.
Submit your feedback via the public comment form on the Board of Trustees page or email to Village Clerk mmcclinton@villageofrhinebeckny.gov.