Troy Police alleged excessive force is still a concern 

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The topic of police using excessive force is still a hot-button issue in Troy. Back in July, a man claimed he was violently arrested on July 4th at a large street party. A few days later in July, another man drowned after fleeing police on his bike. Our NEWS 10 crew tried to attend Monday’s Police Objective Review Board meeting but were told they were not allowed in.

The board of eight members performs the following duties:

1. Review completed professional standards investigations conducted by the Troy Police Bureau.
2. Study and recommend means to improve relations between the city police and the public.
3. Study existing hiring practices and make recommendations concerning the need for changes.
4. Study existing training requirements and programs and make recommendations for improvements.
5. Examine the administrative review process for completed professional standards investigations and perform further examination of such processes and investigations. And submit a report to the mayor’s office of the findings.

Troy's leadership including the mayor’s office says, "It is body camera footage that they look at monthly and it is not a public meeting."

The board is intended to act independently of the city. A member of the City’s Corporate Council says this is a “confidential advisory board to the mayor”. NEWS10’s Reporter James De La Fuente asked if the mayor would attend the meeting.  “I’m covering for her,” said a Troy Corporate Counsel member.

When asked about any possible developments from Monday’s meeting in regard to excessive force concerns, a spokesperson with the police department said the “Chief doesn’t anticipate any department changes occurring at the meeting.” He continued to say, “Their regular representation from their Office of Professional Standards, who attends every meeting, will be in attendance.” However, he is not able to comment on the meeting.

The board does not receive complaints directly from the public.  Complaints and compliments must be submitted to the Troy Police Department.