BEACON – The Beacon City Council held a public comment session on the mandated Executive Order 203 police action plan, Monday evening, with a handful of public comment.
Beacon’s draft plan is specifically labeled the Police Reform and Modernization Collaborative report and was met with a mostly positive reception from those who addressed it.
Jamie Mulligan proposed the creation of a citizen’s oversight committee after applauding the work on behalf of the city and its police department.
“I appreciate there are a number of things that need to happen, perhaps even changes to the city charter, but I think it’s of vital importance and I think it’s a win-win for both the police and the community,” said Mulligan.
Martin Fowler echoed Mulligan’s point and added that he hopes community participation on policing will continue in the future.
“I really appreciate all the work and focus that’s gone into orienting the way that we think about police and that’s towards community safety,” said Fowler. “I hope that that continues, the implementation of the recommended reforms and does so with continued community input as we move forward,” he said.
Beacon, like other municipalities in New York, must finalize their draft police reform plans by April 1 or face losing state funding if they do not.
