STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ON ROCHESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT TREATMENT OF 9-YEAR-OLD GIRL

(Rochester, NY) – Congressman Joe Morelle issued the following statement regarding a recent incident where the Rochester Police Department (RPD) handcuffed and pepper-sprayed a 9-year-old girl:

"I'm stunned and heartbroken by the Rochester Police Department body camera footage released over the weekend. A child—especially one who is clearly in distress—should never be treated this way, let alone by the very people who are supposed to keep her safe. RPD's response to this young girl lacked empathy, understanding, and basic common-sense—and if that is what "protocol" looks like, it's simply unacceptable.

"This child was failed at every level of response to this incident. Resources that could have de-escalated the situation and provided support to a child in crisis were not utilized. How much more trauma must our community endure before real, meaningful action is taken to truly change our police culture and government protocols?"

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