The High ranking staff of Rochester, New York’s Police Department steps down after another African American male died, while in police custody. The Chief of Police, as well as, the entire command staff step down following the death of Daniel Prude. Their decision was made on Sept. 9, 2020.
Chief La’Ron Singletary announced that he would be retiring after 20 years on the police force. He decided to retire after a black man — with mental health issues — died while being restrained by officers in March.
Singletary said, “As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character…The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity.”
The chief — and the other officers — will be able to collect their pension and health benefits by filing for retirement. He (Singletary) will remain in office until the end of the year. Singletary announced his retirement days after Prude’s sister filed a suit in Federal court against Singletary — along with 13 other officers, and the city of Rochester — claiming the department covered-up the death of Daniel Prude.
The accusation that local leaders and the police department delay the news about the murder of Daniel Prude, a mentally Ill black man, led to protests. Activist believes that Singletary and Mayor Lovely Warren, covered-up the fact that Prude death has ruled a Homicide, instead of a drug overdose.
Mayor Warren blamed the death cover-up on Singletary. Many people believe that the police and members at City Hall have known the cause of Prude’s death since April. Activists want Warren to resign. she wants to remain in office as Mayor and will help to push Police reform.
Daniel Prude’s death has caused Rochester Police Department high ranking staff to resign and to be demoted in rank. The activist wants the Mayor to resign also.
Written by Jessica Letcher
Edited by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
CNN News: Rochester police chief to retire amid Daniel Prude death protests; Ray Sanchez, Sheena Jones, and Evan Simko-Bednarski, CNN
NBC News: Rochester police chief, entire command staff step down following death of Daniel Prude; Doha Madani
Democrat & Chronicle: Community reaction to La’Ron Singletary exit. Even Donald Trump had something to say; Gary Craig and Brian Sharp
Featured Image Courtesy of Raymond Wambsgans’ Flickr Page- Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Kaya’s Flickr Page- Creative Commons License
