Saratoga Springs BLM reacts to police review audit progress

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The Saratoga Springs Police Department independent review audit lists 50 points of concern for reform. On Tuesday night a BLM rally was held on the front steps of city hall where protestors voiced their concerns with the report. NEWS10 was there and has more from the safety commissioner and chief of police on progress made thus far.

“Saratoga Springs Black Lives Matter is deeply disappointed,” said Saratoga Springs Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Lexis Figuereo.

Spa City officials say they have nearly completed the entire 50-point list. Yet BLM activists have their concerns.  “We should all be alarmed by a police department that claims to have fully or partially completed 90% of this reform plan yet continues to violate the constitutional rights of black leaders and their allies,” said Figuereo.

Protestors say the progress is slow and question the merit of the changes. “In the course of 3 years only 28 of the 50 points have been adopted 17 are in progress.  Six of them have yet to be addressed,” said Saratoga Springs Black Lives Matter Co-Founder, Chandler Hickenbottom.

Yet, Public Safety Commissioner, Tim Coll says the city has made great strides.  He tells NEWS10 Reporter, James De La Fuente that an independent report by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice gave accreditation to the police force.  Something he says not many agencies get. “The police department became accredited in late 2023 and they’ve exceeded standards at 111 different standards,” said Coll.

Chief of Police, Tyler McIntosh says the department is implementing the recommendations. He said, “This was a great opportunity for the police department to really take a good hard look at the police reform and reinvention plan and to see where we stood from the outside source.”

He says his department is focused on completing the last 6 points. “We focus on professionalism and our core values, honor, integrity and respect. That drives everything that we do in protecting all residents and visitors to the city,” said the chief.

Coll says the area of most concern was the cost of getting a peer-to-peer counselor hired to work with the police.  He says it won’t cost the taxpayer a thing because they are now working with non-profit group RISE Housing and Support Services. “They’re willing to let us collaborate on this part and partner with them. And, to potentially put that peer-to-peer counselor here in city hall, at least part-time.” Coll says they hope to work with the finance commissioner for a resolution on funding for police training by November.

“Where do you go from here? So, you just burn it all down? No, we create something new. We replace the structure that was not built out of white supremacy something that wasn’t built out of racism,” finished Figuereo.