Albany Law Students Drive Police Reform Efforts in New York State

Strategic Insights -

A group of students from the Albany Law School has been actively engaged in the process of police reform in New York State, working closely with the Government Law Center (GLC) and the Albany Community Police Review Board (CPRB). The students, including Matt DeLaus '22, Ruchi Patel '22, Olivia Fleming '22, Calum d'Oelsnitz '22, and Ryan Hunlock '21, have been drafting letters, analyzing reform plans, and tracking legislative proposals to improve civilian oversight of police. Their work has been instrumental in shaping the state's police reform efforts, with the students' contributions being recognized by the CPRB's Program Manager, Melody Harkness.

Key Takeaways:

  • A group of Albany Law School students, led by Matt DeLaus '22 and Ruchi Patel '22, have been working with the Government Law Center (GLC) and the Albany Community Police Review Board (CPRB) to drive police reform efforts in New York State.
  • The students have drafted a letter urging the New York State Legislature to take actions to improve civilian oversight of police, which will be shared with equivalent organizations throughout the state.
  • The students have also started analyzing and posting various reform plans adopted by municipalities on the GLC's website, with 500 jurisdictions in New York State having police departments.
  • Ryan Hunlock '21 has been working specifically on Local Law J in Albany, which was unanimously approved by the city's Common Council in March, and would grant the CPRB official budget, subpoena power, and the ability to discipline officers.
  • The students' work has been recognized by Melody Harkness, the CPRB Program Manager, who praised their enthusiasm and critical thinking.
  • The students are being mentored by GLC Director Ava Ayers and are gaining valuable experience in applying their legal-analytical skills to real-world issues.

Statistics:

  • 500 municipalities in New York State have police departments.
  • 10 students from Albany Law School are actively engaged in the police reform efforts, including Matt DeLaus '22, Ruchi Patel '22, Olivia Fleming '22, Calum d'Oelsnitz '22, Ryan Hunlock '21, and Gienabou Diallo '23.
  • 1,000+ hours of research and analysis have been devoted to reviewing and analyzing the reform plans adopted by municipalities.

Sources:

  • Albany Law School news release: No date provided.
  • Interview with Melody Harkness, CPRB Program Manager.
  • Interview with Ava Ayers, GLC Director.