Beacon Police Officers Now Required To Carry Business Cards

It might feel like the first day on the job all over again when the Beacon police officers receive their first batch of business cards with their names on them. In an effort to increase police transparency, the City of Beacon’s Acting Police Chief William (Bill) Cornett has ordered all police officers to carry and distribute business cards in most situations that do not end in arrest or summons. On the cards will be the police officer’s name and badge number. Additionally, the officer’s name, rank and photo will be published on the City of Beacon’s website, to further help the community get to know the police department.

According to the City of Beacon’s press release issued last week, July 20, 2020, “under the Chief’s new order, officers will identify themselves to individuals upon initiation of certain enforcement activities, including questioning or searches in traffic and checkpoint stops, searches and other non-custodial questioning. Identification will include officer name, rank and an explanation of the reason for the activity. At the conclusion of the activity, if it does not result in an arrest or summons, officers will offer their business card.”

Poughkeepie and Newburgh recently passed laws requiring the carrying and distribution of business cards. Newburgh began discussing it in June 2020 with a Public Hearing, and passed the law mid July 2020 by unanimous vote. At-Large Councilperson Omari Shakur, lobbied for the Newburgh law, calling it “‘a good first step’ to repair trust between the police and the people. ‘We’re trying to change the face of our police right now,’” he said during an interview with Spectrum News. Omari’s son was shot and killed by police in 2006 while being chased, as reported by the Record Online (most articles are now behind the paywall at the Record - ALBB recommends you support local journalism and sign up with them - they provide good coverage of Newburgh news). Newburgh calls it the “Right To Know” law. Middletown is now also considering adopting, according to NewsBreak.

Said Mayor Kyriacou “This is the right thing to do, and we don’t need a law to tell us that. We are simply requiring all our officers to carry and provide business cards, which will increase transparency and build trust in our community.”

Mayor Kyriacou continued in the press release: “I approved the Chief’s order. Like cameras – where the City of Beacon was an early local adopter – transparency helps everyone and builds trust. Our officers work tirelessly every day to protect Beacon and people should know who they are. If a resident has a concern, they should know who is involved and how to proceed.” The Mayor announced the decision at the 7/20/2020 City Council Meeting.

The business cards are being designed now, and A Little Beacon Blog will be sent a sample to publish.

Updated Article: At Reader's Request From Support The Beacon PD Rally, Interviews Included From Black Lives Matter Participants

After we shared our article on the “Support The Beacon PD” rally, a reader, Joe Gallo, commented in a series of comments on our Facebook page, that he thought it unusual that the description of the participants of the police rally were described - and described by occupation - and no one from the counter protesters representing Black Lives Matter were mentioned.

In his comments, Joe alluded to individuals who showed up for Black lives. Being that this was an article about the “Support the Beacon PD,” and focused on that (we tried to get comment from Beacon PBA and former Mayor Randy Casale to highlight what attending meant to them, but we haven’t heard back yet ... they are busy people), the article only focused on that group.

Hearing Joe’s feedback, while disagreeing with his implied position that people’s occupations did not need to be mentioned, we followed up with each person he named, to confirm they were there, and highlight their inspiration for attending.

Read the updated article with all of the interviews here.

Leaders of Nat. Governors Association (Cuomo, NY + Hogan, MD) and County Executives Call For Federal Relief

Photo Credit: David Martin

The drumbeat is sounding for Senate to grant states fiscal relief due to the economic collapse from the ongoing pandemic. “Governors have already cut budgets and reduced our payrolls by 1.5 million people, but without Senate action, we will need to make steeper cuts and reduce payrolls even more, at precisely the time when these services are needed most,” according to a statement released today by the National Governors Association (NGA) Chair Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and NGA Vice Chair Governor Andrew Cuomo.

In his nightly COVID-19 update email, Governor Cuomo issued this update: “Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and I are calling on the federal government to pass the $500 billion state stabilization fund in the next COVID-19 relief package. As states reopen, we cannot risk our economic recovery efforts by slashing state programs that pay our teachers, firefighters, healthcare and frontline workers. We need the U.S. Senate's strong support now, so we can fight the virus together and make an economic recovery a reality.

The governors’ fight for federal assistance for the states has been constant since the beginning of the pandemic: “States are ground zero in this fight. We provide the critical services Americans depend on including public safety, education, healthcare, food assistance, local aid and transportation. We also employ more than 20 million people across the country. And yet, of the $3 trillion in aid from four relief packages, no unrestricted federal support to stabilize state budgets and account for the economic loss states face as a direct result to fight COVID-19 has ever been included.”

County Executives to Detail Need for Congressional Action on Next Stimulus Package

Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan will join New York State County Executives’ Association’s (NYSAC) Stephen Acquario to discuss federal funds for counties.

According to their press release issued today: “With a sales tax revenue loss of $1.2 billion since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial picture for counties is extremely dire. To make matters worse, there are significant concerns about those losses compounding by another $4 billion over the next twelve months.” Beacon, Poughkeepsie and other municipalities have Dutchess County collect sales tax generated here, as A Little Beacon Blog reported here.

A public call will happen tomorrow (Thursday), July 23rd at 12pm for a digital press conference with bi-partisan representatives from the New York State County Executives’ Association as they discuss counties’ needs for federal funding as they continue leading the local response to the global pandemic.

They will be joined by NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario, who will release the Association’s latest Coronavirus Economic Impact Report, which details the projected 2020 and 2021 losses in revenues for counties across the state.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88943248192?pwd=cERXNGZOQ3RDRGJMaXZMOUVTNGpBZz09

Meeting ID: 889 4324 8192
Passcode: 505850

Participants
Stephen Acquario, NYSAC Executive Director
Hon. Dan McCoy, Albany County Executive
Hon. Patrick Ryan, Ulster County Executive
Hon. Marcus Molinaro, Dutchess County Executive

UPDATED: A "Support The Beacon PD" Rally Happened This Past Sunday At Pohill Park and Municipal Building

Early moments of the Support The Beacon PD rally that happened on 7/19/2020 at Pohill Park and City Hall.
Photo Credit: Steve Jacobs

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UPDATE 7/22/2020: After publishing this article which alluded to some people who attended, we shared it on Facebook, which we do with each article. One of the participants of the “Support The Beacon PD” rally commented with a strong request that participants from the Black Lives Matter counter protest be named also. You can read the full exchange here. Parts of the dialogue have been excerpted at right. The “Support The Beacon PD” participant asking for further participant identification was Joe Galbo, who at the time, went by Joseph James in Facebook. He has since updated his Facebook name to be Joseph Galbo. As Joe states, he is a former police officer, and current security guard for Beacon City Schools who was at the “Support The Beacon PD” rally. I know him as Mr. Galbo, as he works in my children’s elementary school.

Because this was an article about the “Support The Beacon PD” rally, we focused on identifying those participants, to give readers an idea of who attended that rally. Attending a rally is a public activity, so anyone who attends it does so, most likely, in pride, and is proud to be identified, in this case, with supporting police officers and agencies.

Attendees of the “Support The Beacon PD” rally.
Photo Credit: Beacon PBA

To answer Mr. Galbo’s request, we highlighted each person he named who attended the counter protest, Black Lives Matter. We spent this week following up with those people named, in order to confirm they attended, and to learn what inspired them to attend. We received responses from all. Their quotes are below. Scroll down.

The “Support The Beacon PD” Rally Origins

On Sunday morning, a “Support The Beacon PD” rally happened, and wrapped up by lunchtime. Organizers included Tom DiCastro Sr., and participants included some from the Beacon Jeep Club, former Mayor Randy Casale, some security guards from the Beacon City School District, and others. A Little Beacon Blog asked Randy why he attended and what message he wanted to get across. His response: “I attended to show our Police officers that I support the work they do in our community. As Mayor I had my difference with the PBA (police union) during negotiations, but I always backed them when they were doing their job. We also made many changes to Department while I was Mayor.”

While it looked like the rally started at City Hall by way of parking, and set up at Pohill Park, another group representing Black Lives Matter and Beacon4BlackLives who has been regularly demonstrating at Pohill Park, were also in attendance but on the opposite side of the street in front of City Hall.

For the past several weeks, the Black Lives Matter movement organized by Beacon4Black Lives has been meeting at Pohill Park as a starting place for their march down Main Street, which usually ends at Memorial Park. This past weekend, there had been no march planned. However, supporters for Black Lives Matter continued to meet at Pohill Park, and according to one of the organizers, Ciarda Hall, were surprised to see the Support The Beacon PD rally participants there. A Little Beacon Blog is reaching out for confirmation as to if Beacon4Black Lives reserves Pohill Park at that time each weekend.

According to a Facebook post made by organizer of Support Beacon PD, Tom DiCastro Sr., the rally may have been originally set to be at City Hall (aka The Municipal Building):

According to the post: “A reminder and change for the Support the Beacon PD and all police agencies on Sunday, 7/19. We will be in the Pohill Park across the street from the Municipal Building. This was a request from the City and I agreed. All attempts to maintain the 6 ft. Social distancing should be made and masks worn if it isn't possible. A patriotic mask would be great. If you can, bring a flag, police or American, supportive signs (nothing derogatory please) and be respectful of others around you. Let's show people our support and the American way.”

Beacon’s City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero has confirmed with A Little Beacon Blog this request, with the following statement, when we asked if the City requested the location: “Yes. Pohill Park is where the City has allowed free speech events and rallies to take place. The City was contacted by the organizers, and after discussion about alternative locations, it was decided to utilize Polhill Park.”

A Little Beacon Blog asked about a reservation sheet, and if an organizational system existed for planning events at Pohill Park. Anthony’s response: “Yes, so there is no conflicts of usage. When permits are issued for demonstrations, the place, time and duration, as well as the number of people to be in attendance are needed information so that the appropriate city services can be planned for and provided.”

UPDATE 7/22/2020: A Little Beacon Blog confirmed with the counter protesters, Beacon4BlackLives, that they had not planned an in-person protest for Sunday. There was no double-booking.

When asked if there were police officers assigned to this rally, Anthony confirmed that they were: “Police officers were assigned specifically for that event to assure public order and a safe environment in which the event could take place. This has been done for all the protests.”

Feedback To City Council About The “Support The Beacon PD” Rally

According to posts in Instagram, driving through the dueling rallies was uncomfortable. One resident said that someone from the “Support Beacon PD” rally called for him to “Go Home.” He responded with: “I am home.” Parking for cars was held at the firehouse across the street from the Municipal Building, in the parking lot of the building, and on the grass there. City Council Member Air Nonken-Rhodes said agreed during their Monday City Council Meeting that the rally situation with both sides protesting at each other was uncomfortable.

Council person Terry Nelson, representing Ward 1, had this to say during this week’s 7/20/2020 City Council meeting: “Several of the public comments that were either read or emailed to the council alluded a couple of unfortunate incidents at yesterday’s Back the Blue rally. The organizers and attendees of that event were exercising their First Amendment rights... So, the Back the Blue rally isn’t the problem. Some of the things their attendees said is what I take issue with. The vitriol displayed is a symptom of an even larger problem. We are at each other’s throats and it is not getting any better. Certain members of our community have taken to social media and have written open letters accusing this council of being anti-police and defunding or disarming the police. If anyone tells you that, they’re either lying or are grossly misinformed. Either way, this kind of rhetoric only serves to divide us.

”As for yesterday’s rally, I acknowledge that there was an Antifa flag and an anti-police banner, but according to an attendee, Beacon4BlackLives were not involved with those individuals, who were not from Beacon, and the sign and flag do not reflect what the Beacon4BlackLives demonstration was trying to relay. Members of B4BL were told to “go back home” among other things. Those kids live here. This is their home and they deserve to be heard. Instead of screaming at them "to go back home,” maybe take 5-10 minutes to listen to what they have to say.”

A Little Beacon Blog has reached out to Beacon Police Benevolent Association (PBA) president, Michael Confield, for his comment on the following questions. Should we hear back, his answers will be updated in this article as well. Those questions are as follows:

ALBB: Did you attend? If so, do you have a comment as to what message you were hoping the demonstration got across?

ALBB: Being that there were counter protesters across the street, which seemed to turn into Blue Lives vs Black Lives, and some people in social media saying: “I side with Blue Lives,” do you think this an issue where people need to take sides? 

ALBB: What does the term Black Lives Matter mean to you?

ALBB: What does the term Blue Lives Matter mean to you?

Who Participated In The Black Lives Matter Counter-Protest?

Many people showed up for the Black Lives Matter counter protest. Mr. Galbo named a list of people in the Facebook thread, so we followed up with who he mentioned: “city workers, a Beacon BOE (Board Of Education) member… the wife of a Beacon city police lieutenant…and former ward 4 city council person Ali Muhammad.”

Justice McCray (also goes by Justice Yellow)

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Justice Yellow (McCray)
Photo Credit: Justice Yellow (McCray)

Justice is the Co-Creator and Organizer of Beacon4BlackLives and past Black Lives Matter Protests in Beacon. Justice is known for working at the Beacon Public Library, for his committee seat on the Human Relations Commission for Beacon during the days when the Beacon Police Department was being investigated by the federal government. Justice was featured this week on All Things Considered about the Black Lives Matter movement locally.

ALBB: Were you at the rally, and did you have a rally previously organized at Pohill Park? Beacon4BlackLives has been meeting there for several weekends. I thought you did not have a protest scheduled for that weekend? If you were there, what inspired you to attend, and what message did you hope to get across?

“The only thing my team organized and scheduled this past weekend was our virtual community discussion. Beacon4BlackLives did not plan any demonstration on Sunday. However, when I discovered the "back the blue" protest was happening, I was called not too long after and asked to show up and show the community that Black lives still matter. Police are killing Black bodies and that needs to change. In our community, a disproportionate amount of POC have experienced way too many horror stories of police harassment and brutality. The structure of policing is founded on white supremacy and the "back the blue" rally amplified that racist rhetoric when they shouted at me to "go back to where I came from." I'm from Beacon and I've been an active member of the community for a long time. There's a clear divide in our community and I did not feel safe on Sunday. Our community is hurting, and things need to change.”

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Ali T. Muhammad
Photo Credit: Ali T. Muhammad

Ali T. Muhammad

Ali T. Muhammad grew up in Beacon and was represented Beacon’s 4th Ward as a City Council member. He currently lives in Newburgh and works within the Hudson Valley advocating for community development through civic engagement and volunteering.

ALBB: Were you at the rally? If you were there, what inspired you to attend, and what message did you hope to get across?

“I was there. The original organizer wanted to have a counter protest and he reached out to a few of us that he had grown up with. We’ve been meeting weekly, around the conversation of creating solutions to dismantle racism and discrimination within our neighborhoods. We reached out to a few allies and a lot of support showed on the sides of our Black Lives Matter movement. I showed up in solidarity with my BIPOC brothers and sisters and white allies and accomplices that put their bodies on the line. I helped lead, which wasn’t the plan. I did speak directing my side and informing the Blue Lives Matter crowd on why all lives matter when Black lives matter. It was intense at times but nothing like in Pleasant Valley the day before. I felt the highlight was our neighbors showing up to stand with us and demonstrate to our other neighbors that times are changing. Move with us or continue to get left behind.”

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Bryanne Figlia

Bryanne is an artist, writer, activist and mother. She is married to Beacon’s Lieutenant Figlia, who has participated by sharing his story at an open mic during a past Black Lives Matter protest, and has attended City Council meetings to help describe to the public and council how Beacon’s police department works.

ALBB: Were you at the rally? If you were there, what inspired you to attend, and what message did you hope to get across?

“Put simply, I was there because Black lives matter. Aside from being married to a police officer (which is not an occupation!), I’m an artist, writer and activist who has been engaging in direct action for over a decade, and so I understand the need to respond and stand in solidarity when any counter-movement plans an event. I know that sincere concerns, like wanting to support good officers (and I do!) can often double as cover for bad actors who simply want to assert dominance over the group that has been protesting.

”Despite a notable banner that expressed otherwise, our gathering was not anti-police. It was just an assertion that Black lives always matter, and that we weren’t going to give cover to racism here for any reason. I observed people shouting at us to “go back where you came from,” as well as mocking and jeering at Black military veterans. This type of behavior clearly has nothing to do with supporting law enforcement.

”I know some of us also really saw it as an opportunity to face our neighbors and have those challenging conversations. A group of us from both sides of the street met at the corner and there was a productive discussion. A retired police officer expressed his sorrow about the Black lives he knows were wrongly taken by police violence, a community leader discussed where he believes can work together to combat racism and make positive change, plans to meet again were made - especially with some of the other vitriol, it was a really encouraging moment to witness.”

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Reuben Simmons

Reuben Simmons
Photo Credit: Reuben Simmons

Reuben is the founder of the community organization, I Am Beacon, and works for the Highway Department. Previously, Reuben was the Highway Superindenant, but was demoted after a series of events and loopholes. A Little Beacon Blog has a podcast and article coming out about that soon.

ALBB: Were you at the rally? If you were there, what inspired you to attend, and what message did you hope to get across?

“Yes I was there.

”I support peoples right to protest. I work in public service and have worked with our city police department during the course of my job and during many community events. I personally do not see this as an us vs them when it comes to the local BLM supporters and the supporters for our local police department, but unfortunately, I am also aware of the division that has been created in this city by lack of leadership. I feel we are at a defining point in Beacon. As we move forward, Will it be war? or Will it be peace? I want peace. I saw videos on FB of what happened in Pleasant Valley the day before, it was ugly for any community, and I wanted to make sure that did not happen in Beacon. People should have the right to protest (and counter) peacefully. And we demonstrated that on Sunday.

”I think we can move forward working together with respective groups being represented from all sides finding coming ground. However, I did not see anyone there on Sunday who actually sits in a position of leadership to bridge that gap. I find it very dangerous, disturbing, and a threat to our entire community if things continue the way they are currently.”

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James Case-Leal

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James is on the bottom center of this photo when he was running for a member seat on Beacon’s Board of Education. Ali was also running, as was Mr. Galbo’s wife, Christine.
Photo Credit: Highlands Current

James is on Beacon’s Board of Education and serves on its Policy Committee.

ALBB: Were you at the rally? If you were there, what inspired you to attend, and what message did you hope to get across?

“I stood in front of City Hall on Sunday having lined up the street side-by-side with fellow protesters. We were looking across 9D at our neighbors similarly arranged on their side, looking back at us. We were spacing ourselves out to emphasize our numbers. So were they. I had marched with Black Lives Matter counter protesters to oppose a previously announced “Back the Blue” rally. The 9am sun was already harsh and I envied the shade they had on their side. I heard someone near me start to identify people they knew. "Hey, that guy over there is a stone mason,” I heard a protester say. “He did great work on my house...reasonably priced too" Another person pointed out a man who does their yard service and lamented having to decide whether or not they’d still hire him. A lot of us saw people we know from around town. I imagined they were doing the same to us.

”I have participated in many of the recent marches, rallies, and protests organized by Beacon For Black Lives, a local youth led group working as part of a national civil rights movement. Their events in Beacon have been inclusive, safe, and without any threat of violence. They did not organize this counter protest, but many of the same Beacon residents came out to show support for Black Lives.

”As a college educator, I am very supportive of the many ways young people are now engaging with the political process. I came to the rally to express support for young organizers and stand for the ideals of the BLM movement. I am a life long advocate for this nation's great promise of liberty and justice for all. Sadly, that promise has not been consistently fulfilled for many Americans; particularly Americans who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color, particularly for Americans who identify as LGBTQ+, and particularly for Americans who struggle with poverty, health, or disability.

”Our initial plan was to arrive in silence. As we showed up, members from “Back the Blue” began shouting profanities and hate speech, immediately signaling that respect, inclusivity, and safety were not their priorities. While I do believe some attendees had good intentions, what became apparent is that 'Backing the Blue' is also a cover to freely express homophobic slurs and racist innuendos. Individuals taunted the BLM side calling them “sissies” “f*gs” and “pu$$ies”. It was populated by individuals who were freely expressing threats of violence.

”I had seen the former mayor Randy Casale call for this protest on his Facebook page several weeks ago. Tom DiCastro followed his lead and filed the permit for Sunday’s event. I was disappointed to see Casale exploiting the opportunity to settle political grudges. He carried a sign targeting City Council member Dan Aymar-Blair for vocalizing support of BLM on the city council and questioning police practices in Beacon. “DAN AYMAR-BLAIR MUST GO” his sign read under a printed photograph of the council members face. It’s not difficult for me to imagine someone reading it as an implied threat. DiCastro has openly called for violence against protesters on his public Facebook account.

”Black Lives Matter is a movement fighting for justice. When they chanted ‘All Lives Matter,’ we chanted back ‘When Black Lives Matter.’ And this is what’s so disheartening about a rally of white conservatives waving modified U.S. flags chanting “USA!” and “Go back to your home!” to a racially diverse group of people who’s homes are a short walk away. There is nothing anti-America about questioning police spending. The call for racial justice IS patriotism.

”Three weeks ago, I stood in Memorial Park along with a couple hundred protesters spread out to socially distance. It had begun raining while we were marching from Main Street. I was soaked, but didn't notice any more than anyone else seemed to. A young man at a microphone read off names. Names of Black Americans who had been denied justice by a jury of their peers. Names of Black Americans who had been murdered by agents of their government. One by one, members from the crowd brought up bouquets of flowers and laid them in a pile in front. We stood in silence in the rain. I wept.

”There are moments in history when people speak out with a clarity that brings our collective moral condition in to focus. Right now, in Beacon, that clarity is coming from the young voices organizing around Black Lives Matter who call themselves Beacon4BlackLives. I believe in them. I am proud to stand with them. and I will continue to do so.”

UPDATE: Clarifying 2 Points In Teamsters Local 445 Letter Re Gun And Bullet Proof Vests

Two points were introduced in the 3rd letter from the Beacon Police Union - by way of the Teamsters Local 445 letter - but verification was not provided. Being that these were large assertions, A Little Beacon Blog followed up with the Mayor’s Office for confirmation. This morning, we received clarification from City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero as to the two points from the last letter from the police union. They are as follows:

Bullet Proof Vests

In exploring what a re-imagined police department and policies look like, Beacon’s City Council has held a public community forum to hear feedback from the community, and invited police officers to 2 City Council Workshop meetings to discuss data and current policy. Everything from how data is collected and reported, to the visual impact of a bullet proof vest on emotional escalation have been mentioned.

No formal policies have been proposed in this introductory discovery phase. Governor Cuomo has also mandated that each municipality come up with their own police policy, or face a denial of federal funding. The deadline for that proposal is April 1, 2021. During this past week’s City Council Workshop Meeting 7/13/2020, Mayor Kyriacou proposed a timetable as to how this project can get done in time. The Governor signed this on June 12, 2020: “Governor Cuomo Signs Executive Order to Reinvent and Modernize Police Strategies and Programs” Beacon’s City Council started this process before it was a state mandate, as A Little Beacon Blog reported earlier.

The past 2 letters from the Beacon Police Union have mentioned the fear of having bullet proof vests removed from officers when they answer police calls. The last letter read: “For the past several weeks, Mayor Kyriacou and the Council have continued their push of anti-police rhetoric and policies, which have included the thought of disarming and de-vesting police.“

A Little Beacon Blog asked for confirmation from the city about the removal of bullet proof vests, if that is indeed what the letter and term “de-vest” referred to, and received the following answer from Anthony Ruggiero: “I know residents have brought this up at the public portion of the meetings, but to the best of my knowledge, I do not believe any Council Members have proposed this.”

The Police Chief Carrying A Gun

A second point made in the letter, which was a continuation of a verbal comment made by union representative Mike Pitt, was certification of the Acting Police Chief William (Bill) Cornett, being that he was in retirement for a number of years. During the appointment, Mayor Kyriacou stated in response that legally, the city was cleared to hire Bill. A Little Beacon Blog followed up with the city to get a response from the City’s attorney for added clarification, and received it (you can read that legalese here).

In its most recent letter, the which was not signed but was on union letterhead that includes the names Dan Maldonado, President, and Barry Russell, Secretary-Treasurer, the letter insinuated that because of the length of time in retirement, the Acting Police Chief would be limited in his capacity as a police officer. The letter stated:

“Without that certification, the appointed temporary Chief ‘lacks the power to execute arrest and search warrants, make arrests without a warrant and use physical or deadly force in making an arrest when necessary’; he ‘may not lawfully carry a firearm without a license if he is not certified as a police officer.’ 2003 N.Y. Op. (Inf.) Atty’ Gen. 1. If this Chief sees a crime being committed, he cannot make an arrest; he needs to call the police.”

A Little Beacon Blog inquired with the City to see if arresting someone or being in the line of duty was the primary responsibility of this Acting Police Chief for the 90 days he is in the position during a time of administrative transition. Anthony Ruggiero responded: “The Chief of Police position lends itself to be more administrative, very similar to other Department Head positions.”

Teamsters Local 445, Who Represent Beacon Police, Issue Open Letter On Facebook - Without Contacting City - Regarding Mayor And City Council During Reform Period

The Teamsters Local 445, which is connected to Beacon’s Police Benevolent Association (BPA), issued an open letter to Beacon’s City Council on July 15 and published it to Facebook. According to Mayor Kyriacou, the letter was not sent to the city directly. Their letter is in response to the recent appointment of Acting Chief of Police, William Cornett. During that public appointment, a representative of Local 445, Mike Pitt, proclaimed: “We’re going to follow this closely.“

A Little Beacon Blog has reached out to the president of Beacon’s BPA, Michael Confield, for comment, but has not received a response yet. If we do, the response will be published here.

Mayor Kyriacou has since responded with a press release in response which has been published in full here, expressing “disappointment that the police union is resorting to intimidation and escalation – exactly the opposite behavior of what is appropriate in today’s charged environment.

The open letter from Teamsters Local 445 has bee republished in full below:

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Teamsters Local 445, a public and private sector labor union based in the Newburgh, New York area, with almost 3,000 members, including about 250 members in its Law Enforcement Division in Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, and Dutchess County Police Departments, supports its law enforcement members in the City of Beacon.

On behalf of the men and women of the City of Beacon Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, we write this open letter after a majority voted to release the Association’s position. Unfortunately, circumstances have left us with no other recourse. We have lost all trust, faith, and confidence in the Mayor and City Council’s ability to lead this city and the police department during these trying times.

For the past several weeks, Mayor Kyriacou and the Council have continued their push of anti-police rhetoric and policies, which have included the thought of disarming and de-vesting police. How does one comprehend a police officer’s response to an emergency call without a weapon or protective gear?

The Mayor and Council have failed to correct untrue public accusations of police mis-conduct. This failure could lead to a wholly unfounded, dangerous reaction from the public, causing a dangerous environment for the members of the police department, as well as the public.

The Mayor and Council have shown zero support for the police department during these times. Talk of defunding or significantly cutting the department’s costs and of cutting its already dangerously low staffing level are some of the only talk they show the department. This department is an accredited police agency in New York State; an honor that few departments in the area still retain.

After the leader of the department offered to lead this accredited agency through these times without a chief in place, the Mayor and Council recently voted to appoint a temporary police chief who has not worked actively as a police officer since almost the year 2000. The Mayor and Council have stated that they want a smooth transition to the next police chief as leader of the department, but they seem to have an agency very different from minimal support, let alone different from the best interests, of the men and women who serve all day every day.

In the course of the Council meeting in which the Council voted to appoint the temporary Chief, Teamsters Law Enforcement Division representative Pitt pointed out that the certification of this appointee must have lapsed due to the length of his time not serving as a police officer since retirement in 2000. As per General Municipal Law 209-q, the certification required for police officers by law lapses after four (4) years. Without that certification, the appointed temporary Chief “lacks the power to execute arrest and search warrants, make arrests without a warrant and use physical or deadly force in making an arrest when necessary”; he “may not lawfully carry a firearm without a license if he is not certified as a police officer.” 2003 N.Y. Op. (Inf.) Atty’ Gen. 1. If this Chief sees a crime being committed, he cannot make an arrest; he needs to call the police.

The Council has spoken about reform, but you cannot have reform without funding. You do not deescalate by defunding the police. If you want the most qualified and most trained officers on your street, you cannot defund yet expect to keep, not to mention improve, the quality and level of service that these men and women currently give this great city.

In closing, we would like to reiterate that the men and women of the Beacon City Police Department PBA have lost all trust, faith, and confidence in Mayor Kyriacou and the entire City Council’s ability to lead this city.

About Teamsters Local 445 Union

Teamsters Local 445 is a public and private sector labor union based in the Newburgh, New York area, with almost 3,000 members, including about 250 members in its Law Enforcement Division in Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, and Dutchess County Police Departments.

View the original announcement on Beacon’s PBA Facebook Page.

With 50-A Repealed To Improve Police Record Transparency in NY, Beacon To Publish FOIA Requests To Website

During the July 7, 2020 City Council meeting, where the new Acting Chief William Cornett was appointed for a temporary term of 90 days, Mayor Kyriacou announced, with Councilmember Jodi McCredo’s encouragement, that he and Acting Chief Cornett agreed to publish FOIA (Freedom Of Information Act) requests of police officer inquiries to the City’s website. Said Mayor Kyriacou: “We have received some FOIAs in the past weeks. We are just going to put all of the information online. You can submit a FOIA, but we will put it online.”

The City of Beacon will use the program JustFOIA, a management and publishing platform, that purports requests can come in any form, can be anonymous, and can have the status tracked. Asked for this article if all FOIA requests will be published, the Mayor answered: “Yes, those with respect to public interest.” The location on the City’s website of these requests is to be determined.

Acting Chief William Cornett (who goes by Bill), supported the decision with this followup statement during the meeting: “I don't like surprises. Other than Christmas or my birthday. I don't like secrets that I aint going to keep.”

Beacon Appoints Acting Chief Of Police, Bill Cornett For 90 Days; Beacon PBA Representative Responds, Mayor Gives His Reasons

After Beacon’s Police Chief and Captain each gave their 30 days notice of entering retirement, which commenced on July 7, 2020, the City of Beacon has been seeking a new Police Chief. Mayor Lee Kyriacou announced at this week’s City Council 7/6/2020 meeting that they have found a temporary, “Acting” Police Chief for no more than 90 days, who has come out of retirement to serve. Bill Cornett has accepted the position, and is no stranger to Beacon. He lives in Beacon, and served on the force during Beacon’s darker period of excessive overtime, leadership change, and the Department of Justice investigation.

Before the appointment, a member of the public called in during the Public Comment portion of the meeting to say that he wished for a pause in order for a thoughtful appointment to occur. Council person Dan Aymar-Blair asked for a hiring freeze. Mayor Kyriacou presented the appointment with the following logic:

“Civil Service Law requires that we have ay chief for any police force greater than 4 people. There was an earlier discussion...We went down the initial path that we would have an Acting Police Chief from within the department, and we made a decision after examining that, that we should not do so. What we're doing here is making it very clear here that we are not advantaging anyone in this process, we are not pre-disposing anyone in any direction in this process. What we are trying to do is to have someone fill the spot on a purely temporary basis, not a permanent one, and it be an acting position for up to but not more than 90 days. In doing so, we will enable an open and deliberate process to find the full chief. So view this as the first step in the process. Finding the chief will be a longer process.”

Civil Service Requirements As They Pertain To Hiring Service Employees

The new Acting Police Chief worked for the City of Beacon during a major time of transition. The 2002-2007 period was an exceptionally difficult time in the City, where Mayor Kyriacou was challenging the expenditures of overtime, which led to a number of leadership issues within the police department, which lead to multiple lawsuits, both internal and external. This eventually led to a request by the City of Beacon to the Department of Justice to investigate the Beacon Police Department, which resulted in some reforms, ending in 2010.

During that period of time, Bill Cornett was the Senior Lieutenant. Said Mayor Kyriacou during the City Council meeting the night of the appointment: “Of anyone in the department during that period that I trusted, that provided me straight answers that was by the book, it was [then] Lieutenant Bill Cornett. Bill was one of the few people in the department during that period to have a college education. He is a Fordum Grad with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and a Minor in Philosophy and Theology. I think it served him exceptionally well. Again, I trust Bill with my life. He was instrumental in helping the process of going from what I would describe as an Old Boys Department to the professionalization of our police force.

”We had to change our leadership. We demoted a Chief to Lieutenant; we were sued multiple times; I was targeted; I was investigated. I had all sorts of interesting things occur. During all that time, the person that I trusted and always gave me straight answers was Bill Cornett. During that time, the City discovered that Bill was Acting Chief at times, which means that under Civil Service, he is capable of taking the position [today].”

Bill responded to the appointment with the following: "I look forward to serving the city, and I am also looking forward to returning to retirement. Yes, the 90 days is a good time." The City of Beacon’s press release on the announcement stated that Bill has not interested in the permanent position. Bill is quoted in the press release: “If I can help my community during a difficult transition, I stand ready to serve.”

A Representative From Teamsters Local 445 Representing Beacon’s PBA Responds

Later in the meeting during the 2nd Public Comment period, Mike Pitt, the Business Agent for the Teamsters Local 445 which represents the City of Beacon’s PBA (Police Benevolent Association, the police union) called in to voice his opinion. Mike expressed concern with the Civil Service requirements, with regards to Mike thinking that retired police officers lose their certification after 4 years of not working as a police officer. “I’m interested in seeing how this is possible,” Mike stated.

Mike continued by encouraging the route of hiring from within, and issued the following statement: “The Mayor continues to say that it is “Acting Police Chief” and totally disregarding the promotion or acting part of someone who is already in a command position in the police department, who can make the transition a lot smoother until you actually make an appointment of a police chief, after a thorough search.

“To get certified in a police department as “accredited” is a huge accomplishment for a police department. To get that, the City of Beacon showed that the administration did their job. That means the police officers did their job. It shows that the men and women there have followed the regulations, followed the rules, and the state saw that.

“It’s something that you need to take into consideration. You’re bringing in someone who hasn’t worked in 18 years. He’s not today’s world of police work, where you guys are trying to disarm police going to calls. I don’t understand that. I don’t think anybody in the union does. I look forward to hearing that point. You’re saying that it’s not appropriate for somebody to get put in this position who is in the command position now in the City of Beacon Police Department. I think the men and women deserve better. We’re going to follow this closely. We hope that you make the right decision moving forward.”

The Mayor responded that he had been advised by council and Civil Service that the Ts were crossed and Is were dotted. Bill rose his hand to speak: “Good evening!” he said, and alluded to work he had done recently with local organizations. “It’s nice to be back! Even if I am one of the dinosaurs.”

A Little Beacon Blog pursued the legalese of the crossed Ts and dotted Is, and received this response from the City of Beacon’s attorney:

“The appointment of the Chief of Police, be it temporary or permanent, is not subject to any Union rules. The Chief of Police is not a member of the Beacon PBA. The Chief of Police’s position is outside the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City and the Beacon PBA and therefore not subject to any limitations, other than those promulgated by New York State and Dutchess County Civil Service Department Rules and Regulations. The temporary appointment of William Cornett to Acting Chief of Police is consistent with the requirements of Civil Service Law for the position of Chief of Police, which is Five (5) years of permanent competitive status as a Police Lieutenant or seven (7) years of permanent competitive status as a Police Lieutenant and/or Police Sergeant. William Cornett served as Police Lieutenant in the City of Beacon from 1987 to 2002. Moreover, the expiration of Mr. Cornett’s NYS certification is irrelevant to this appointment. 2003 N.Y. Op. Atty. Gen. (Inf.) 1001 (N.Y.A.G.), 2003 N.Y. Op. Atty. Gen. No. 1, 2003 WL 326937.”

About Bill Cornett

Bill Cornett is a former Beacon Police Department Lieutenant and is a lifelong Beacon resident. According to the City of Beacon’s press release: “During his career in the Beacon Police Department, Bill was FBI certified as an instructor in de-escalation techniques. He initiated the STOP-DWI program, prepared and submitted Uniform Crime Reports to the FBI, oversaw Beacon’s Traffic Division, and served on the Dutchess County Traffic Safety Board. Bill retired from the department in 2002 as senior lieutenant and continues to live in Beacon.”

Beacon Launches New Poster For Reopening (The Partial Reopening); Mayor To Walk Main Street 4th Of July

Poster Design By Randall Martin

Max’s On Main rolled out the green carpet for patrons in their side “parklet.” Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Business and recreational life is all topsy-turvey at moment, but Beacon is making the best of it. During a holiday when business are normally closed on the 4th of July (like last year when it fell on a Thursday) leaving the city as a ghost town, this year, those who can open are thrilled to be open, and are rolling out the green carpet for diners to eat outside in the new “parklets,” which are the parking spots along Main Street outside of participating restaurants (see who is open this weekend - ALBB compiled the list!).

In a firework happy town (yes, people continue to blast off small fireworks from their driveways), there was the year when the fireworks almost didn’t happen because the organizers, the Kiwanis Club of Beacon, disbanded and the baton needed to be found and handed down to business owners who stepped up to the plate to fundraise. Due to COVID-19, fireworks in Memorial Park have been postponed.

Mayor’s Main Street Walk

The City of Beacon issued a press release announcing that Mayor Lee Kyriacou would be walking Main Street on Saturday to visit businesses. “Mayor Lee Kyriacou will walk the length of Beacon’s Main Street on Saturday July 4th. He will visit with business owners and patronize restaurants and stores along the way. The City has been assisting Main Street businesses with the phased reopening process, in particular developing additional safe outdoor space.”

Mayor Kyriacou said: “We’re facilitating the safe reopening of businesses through controlled expansion into targeted outdoor spaces. Our local businesses are the life blood of our Main Street and Beacon’s economy. Everything you need can be found at a local Beacon business.”

In the press release, Mayor Kyriacou stated that he created a Local Business Working Group. ALBB first reported on that group after Councilperson George Mansfield (owner of Dogwood) announced to the public and encouraged any business owner to join and participate. The group met on Tuesday mornings and was facilitated and attended by Councilperson George and Beacon’s City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero. Businesses discussed outside alternatives for dining, and what safety precautions to have in place for retail. During different calls, Assistant to the County Executive, Ron Hicks was a featured guest to advise businesses about enforcement of safety guidelines. Ron expressed the hard position he is in as both an enforcer of rules, as well as a promoter of the Reopening. On the next call, the City’s law firm, Keane and Beane was on to present and answer legal questions.

“A lot of great ideas were discussed during the Working Group meetings,” City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero said in the press release. “The group’s intention was to create simple and immediate solutions for businesses in a unique climate. The visible outcomes were the parklet program – businesses expanded into parking spaces, and the Beacon Back Together branding campaign found in many storefronts.”

The poster for Beacon Back Together was designed by Randall Martin and spearheaded by Councilperson George.

Beacon Back Together - Sort Of

Left out of the business reopening are numerous storefronts who fall into the category of Gyms. This includes dance studios like Yanarella and Ballet Arts Studio; fitness studios like Studio Beacon and Zoned Fitness; yoga studios like BeBhakti (the hot yoga studio Pavonine has announced their sad but anticipated closure); and pilates studios like Beacon Pilates and Roc Pilates (so sorry if we did not mention anyone else in this brief mention).

Movie theaters are also in this designation - like Story Screen - and performance and education venues like Beacon Performing Arts and Compass Arts (sadly did leave their retail space, but are figuring it out in a digital and nomad outside destination way for now).

A Little Beacon Blog is currently looking into COVID-related commercial lease programs to see if landlords in Beacon have been using them (or if they exist), as several storefronts in and around Main Street are continuing to pay their rent for a space they are not allowed to use. Unlike homeowners who have been rescued by mandated mortgage relief programs.

Beacon's Mayor Lee Kyriacou Issues Statement And Decision Regarding Dustin James' Memorial Bench

On Monday afternoon 6/29/2020, the City of Beacon issued the following statement from Mayor Lee Kyriacou regarding the memorial bench of Dustin James. You can read more about his memorial here.

“Upon consulting with and the full agreement of the family involved, I want to announce that a bench in memory of Dustin James will be permanently located in front of the entrance to the Beacon Police Station.”

“I want to thank the family involved for their gracious accommodation.”

“I note that Dustin James was a fine human being and a fine police officer. I attended his memorial service. A portion of the memorial bench reflects his career, of which some members of the community may feel is inappropriate in front of the city’s courthouse and municipal entrance. It is more fitting and appropriate for this memorial bench to be placed in front of the entrance to the city’s police station. As this is an administrative matter, this decision is made by the mayor.”

“As with most decisions in a democratic pluralistic society, where people have diverse opinions, this may not make anyone fully satisfied, let alone everyone. I would encourage tolerance and respect for one another on this and all issues.”

“Thank you.”

Comestibles Comidas Gratis - Free Groceries Friday 10-11am - A Quick Hour Of Pickup For Those In Need

Don’t be shy or modest - if you are in need of groceries for any reason, you get yourself on over to the Beacon High School this Friday, June 26th from 10-11am. It’s a fast hour, so spread the word to those who need the groceries who may not be on the Internet all of the time to see these updates.

People can walk up to pick up, or a drive a car with an open trunk, or even scoot up in a wheelchair. However it is that you need to get there. Plus, if you have other needs, let the people know, as they could spread the word to the Beacon Mutual Aid Group, who tends to know how to help with most anything. Including where to find crutches when in quarantine, and other one-off requests.

Tree Trimming Happening Friday - No Parking On That Side Of The Street

Tree trimming (not the Christmas kind - but actual clippers) is happening on Friday in Beacon. Parking on one side of the street is restricted while the trucks go up to do their work. No trees will be cut down, says the City of Beacon. But limbs will be pruned back.

With the new “parklets” going up in front of restaurants, where restaurant seating is in a parking spot to help restaurants accommodate customers to increase business, it’s something to keep up with now when parking is amended temporarily.

Rejoice! New Mini Free Parking Signs At City Of Beacon's Free Public Parking Lots

At last…there is a modern looking, conversational-style Free Parking sign at Beacon’s free municipal parking lots. This is something we have dreamed of for years, and is why A Little Beacon Blog created our Free Parking Guide.

Granted, there is the traditional and official green P sign that stands for “Free Parking,” but when was the last time you studied for your drivers license test to remember what that sign stands for? Granted, you don’t forget what the red STOP sign looks like, but a green P can be a little vague and un-mememorable. Let alone un-noticable.

In addition to this little parking sign, you’ll notice the fancy new Dutchess County sign, where you’ll find the DMV, Family Services, Astor Services, Office of Probation and Community Correction, and other county offices. For years, this sign was pretty trashed and tired. Last year, it got a makeover. This particular parking lot is owned by Dutchess County, so is only free on the nights and weekends.

Beacon Pride Pop-Up Event This Friday At Roosevelt Bar (HV Food Hall) And Pride Caravan This Weekend

This year is the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march which took place in June 1970, a year after the Stonewall Riot in New York City, beginning the Gay Liberation movement. With this milestone year, big celebrations were in store throughout New York, but with the COVID-19 outbreak, the celebration has been switched to online events.

In addition, the Black Lives Matter protest came to forefront also reminding us that #blacktranslivesmatter and that the Stonewall Riots was lead by people of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. This year, Global Pride celebrations are more subdued with virtual events and replacing parades with protests organized along side with Black Lives Matter organizations - as both groups come together to rally for change.

Staying Local? Beacon Pride Pop-Up Event

It has come to our attention that while there is a healthy population of LGBTQ+ residents in Beacon and nearby, there are not many ways to connect regularly and have some social recognition of Pride. This is where Beacon resident Joe Waring comes in! Joe is member of the Beacon Human Relations Commission focused on LGBT issues and concerns. This year, Joe is arranging a Beacon Pride Pop-Up event at The Roosevelt Bar at the Hudson Valley Food Hall, Friday, June 26th from 7-12am.

Joe’s intention in organizing this pop-up is to create community and opportunity, he shares with us “While Beacon and the surrounding communities are chock full of amazing LGBTQ+ folks and allies, it can be isolating for many of them as its hard to actually get to know new friends.... and with Pride / Racial Change being so intertwined, I feel like this is an opportunity for likes minds to come together….I am doing this solely to bring community together in a strange and tenuous time in our lives.”

The event will include a remote DJ who’s being sponsored by The Solstad House, a local LGBTQ+ owned business in Beacon.

Social Distancing Still In Place

A Little Beacon Blog only agreed to publicize this socializing event if pandemic-safety measures were in place. We want to help people meet, but safely.

According to Joe, “Hudson Valley Food Hall has all of the appropriate signage up for COVID Protocols and taped off 6-ft markers visible. There will be welcome sign at the entrance to reinforce Mask Wearing and Social Distancing. The main Food Hall space will be closed off as will the bar seating area so this will be outside and will have a counter in place to limit the size. Inside tables will be off-limits and outdoor seating on sidewalks to the side and in front of HVFH will be available.”

Joe continues: “I don't envision people being there for more than 1-2 hours in general but if so we will rotate folks to socially distant areas should crowding be an issue.” That’s nice - give others a chance to meet.

Pride Caravan Protest, Local Resources & Support

This Sunday, The Newburgh LGBTQ Center is hosting a Pride Caravan Protest For Black Lives Matter Against Police Brutality. This is the First Pride Caravan in the Mid-Hudson Valley and you must sign up ahead of time. You can read more about this event on their Facebook page. The Newburgh LGBTQ Center are the only POC led LGBTQ+ led organization in the mid-Hudson Valley.

Mid-Hudson LGBTQ+ Resources

Dutchess Pride Center in Poughkeepsie
The Newburgh LGBTQ Center in Newburgh
Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center in Kingston
Big Gay Hudson Valley

Senator Sue Serino Voted Against 50-a Repeal For Police Record Transparency, And The Beacon PBA's (Police Union) Position

Governor Cuomo signed the repeal of 50-a, which now allows for transparency of prior disciplinary records of law enforcement officers. Records can be acquired through a FOIL (Freedom Of Information Law) request. The repeal was part of a broader 'Say Their Name' reform agenda to reduce inequality and reimagine the state's criminal justice system.

The shielding law was originally passed in 1976. Since then, it has been fought against by “advocates, including New Yorkers United for Justice, and legal organizations such as the Legal Aid Society and the New York Civil Liberties Union, have pushed for the repeal of 50-a in the name of transparency,” according The Daily News.

According to the press released issued by Governor Cuomo’s office: “Section 50-a of the New York State Civil Rights Law creates a special right of privacy for the personnel records of police officers, correction officers, and firefighters and paramedics employed by the State or political subdivisions. The current law prevents access to both records of the disciplinary proceedings themselves and the recommendations or outcomes of those proceedings, leading to records of complaints or findings of law enforcement misconduct that did not result in criminal charges against an officer almost entirely inaccessible to the public.”

The vote was passed down party lines, with all Democrats voting for, and all Republicans voting against, including Senator Sue Serino, whose senate district includes the Highlands. As reported in the Highlands Current, she explained: “In a statement on Thursday, Serino said she could not ‘in good faith’ vote to repeal 50-a. While there must be ‘zero tolerance for police brutality, racism, hate or violence,’ she said the bill ‘goes too far in allowing for the release of false accusations, unfounded and unsubstantiated claims.’”

While that possibility exists, reports are made public about citizens who are involved in a dispute, or medical professionals who have their licenses revoked for misconduct, whether made vengefully or not. To have zero indication about someone’s behavior, who has the right to behave physically against your person to to speak rudely to your person, seems like a mis-match. To not be able to learn how it was judged by a review board or investigation does not help anyone who wants to learn more about someone who has a powerful physical and emotional advantage over them - by law.

Senator Anna Kaplan (Monahemi) explained why she voted in favor of repealing 50-a. Senator Kaplan is the first “Iranian-American to be elected to either of New York state's legislative chambers, and she is the first former political refugee to serve in the New York Senate, according to Wikipedia:

“I came to this country as a 13 year old girl fleeing the revolution that had overtaken the only home I had ever known because my family, and people like us, were no longer welcome or safe in our own communities. While I can’t compare my experience to that of African Americans living in this country, the emotions on display in recent protests throughout our community resonate with me in a deeply personal way. Being raised in that environment also gave me a profound appreciation for our country’s founding principles that we are all equal in the eyes of the law and none of us are above it, and that all public officials be transparent and accountable to the public they serve.

”When 50-a was enacted decades ago, it carved out our Police and a select few public servants from the same rules and responsibilities that all who serve the public in New York State are accountable to, myself included as an elected official. We place an enormous amount of trust in our law enforcement community to wield enormous power on our behalf, but the public is right to demand an ability to “trust, but verify.” Doing so isn’t an attack on the good work of the vast majority of our law enforcement community who puts on a uniform every day to protect and serve with honor and courage…

“With tensions in many communities beyond the breaking point, now is the time to take meaningful steps to develop a durable relationship of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and the only way we do that is by being open and honest with each other. I believe by repealing 50-a, we are taking that first step together towards a safer community for everyone.”

During the research for this article, A Little Beacon Blog discovered that police unions, Patrolman’s Benevolent Associations (PBA), tended to not favor the repeal either. We reached out to Beacon’s PBA for comment, and received the following response from Mike Confield, Beacon PBA Vice President:

The Beacon PBA disagrees with the Governor’s signing of the repeal of 50-a. We feel that the state legislature and the governor passed and signed this bill without taking the necessary time to properly weigh the pros and cons of releasing officers disciplinary records. The potential release of a disciplinary investigation report, especially when it is unfounded of any wrong doing can still damage the reputation of not only the officer involved, but the department and municipality. We also believe that when an officer needs testify at a trial from now on, the trial focus will move from the defendant to the officer. Therefore attempting to slander the officers name enough so a potentially dangerous criminal can walk and cause more damage to the innocent public.

We also feel that rushing this repeal may cause confidential and personal information to be released that has potential to make good officers, good people and our families subject to targeted harassment and violence.

- Mike Confield, Beacon PBA Vice President,
on behalf of the PBA

The bill was sponsored by Jamaal T. Bailey, and co-sponsored by Luis R. Sepúlveda, Alessandra Biaggi, Brian A. Benjamin, and Neil D. Breslin.

The New York Post pointed out here and here that several Republican senators are not seeking reelection next term, including “Sens. John Flanagan, Michael Razenhofer of Buffalo, Betty Little of Queensbury, George Amedore of Kingston and freshman Bob Antonacci of Syracuse. Sen Chris Jacobs (R-Buffalo) is also on his way out, as he’s seeking the vacant seat of disgraced US Rep. Chris Collins in Congressional District 27.”