Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did Mayor Walsh issue an Executive Order?

Since taking office in 2018 Mayor Walsh has been committed to police reform and implementing the steps necessary to empower the Syracuse Police Department to incorporate policing policies and practices in line with 21^st Century policing principles:

• Building trust & legitimacy between police and the citizens they serve;
• Policies and oversight that reflect community values;
• Using technology and social media to engage and educate the community while ensuring transparency, accountability and privacy;
• Community policing and crime reduction strategies and policies that address public safety while embracing sound community engagement practices;
• Training and education that address the changing requirements of police officers and expectations of the community they serve

When will the changes from these Executive Order items go into effect?

Each Executive Order (EO) action has time parameters. Below, you can click each EO action to see Where We Stand in our progress to complete and implement Syracuse Police Reform Executive Order Actions. In our progress updates, dates were identified as a result of reviewing various internal and external factors. We ensured that the timelines allowed for effective implementation.

Do some Executive Order items require action by other areas of government?

1. EO1 Action #1 requires the Common Council to take legislative action on certain provisions of the Right to Know law
2. EO1 Action #12 requires Common Council to take legislative action on any changes in how the Citizen Review Board operates.  
3. EO Action #16 requires a collaborative approach with the Syracuse City School District Board. The goal of this EO action is to create a model for public safety in schools that addresses safety while maintaining an environment where learning is the primary focus.

Who is managing this process to ensure commitments are met on time?

The ultimate responsibility for implementing the Mayor’s Executive Order lies with the Chief of Police and his department. Mayor Walsh is committed to ensuring that each of the 16 items in his Executive Order are implemented and has assigned Deputy Mayor Owens the responsibility of managing the process.