WAMC has learned that the New York State Attorney General’s office is investigating the arrests of Black Lives Matter Demonstrators and other potential misuses of police power in Saratoga Springs.
Multiple sources told WAMC about the investigation, which was confirmed by the attorney general’s office Monday morning.
More than a dozen people have been arrested on minor charges in connection with a July 14th Black Lives Matter protest in the Spa City. Five demonstrators were arrested that night by officers on Broadway; others were apprehended weeks later after city police acted on arrest warrants issued August 31st.
Those arrested are accused of disorderly conduct, a violation. Some face an additional charge of unlawful imprisonment, a misdemeanor, for allegedly blocking a vehicle during the July protest.
Activists who claim the police are using their power to intimidate and stifle free speech have received support from groups including the New York Civil Liberties Union.
WAMC asked Attorney General Tish James on September 23rd if her office was investigating the arrests in Saratoga Springs. James responded but did not offer specifics.
“I cannot tell you the jurisdictions, but our office is, or Civil Rights bureau is looking at a number of investigations upstate.”
Reached by WAMC Sunday, SSPD Public Information Officer Lt. Bob Jillson said he was out of town and unfamiliar with any probe from the AG, but said he expected the department to fully cooperate with any investigation. WAMC has requested comment from Saratoga Springs Police Chief Shane Crooks.
A statement from John Aspland, a lawyer representing the city, was released to WAMC Monday evening. The statement reads:
"The City of Saratoga Springs has received correspondence from the Civil Rights Bureau of the New York State Attorney General’s Office concerning allegations of possible violations of state and federal law as it relates to recent protests that occurred in our city. The OAG has commenced this investigation to assess whether the protestors were targeted with excessive force and retaliatory arrests. The City takes these allegations seriously and we will endeavor to work with the OAG to address these allegations and demonstrate the appropriateness of the actions taken by the members of the police department in response to the recent protests. The City will be working with its outside counsel in addressing the OAG’s concerns."
