The Rochester City Council is calling for an investigation into the conduct of Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley after body camera footage showed her refusing to stop for a police officer who attempted to pull her over for speeding. The incident which occurred on Monday has raised serious concerns about Doorley’s behavior and her fitness to serve as district attorney.
The Rochester City Council wants a state inquiry into Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley’s belligerent conduct — and sent a letter to Attorney General Letitia James Saturday asking her to investigate the situation. pic.twitter.com/Fihr5NV7dy
— ThinkReal (@thinkReal) April 28, 2024
The footage captured Doorley driving 55 mph in a 35 mph zone when the officer tried to conduct a traffic stop. Instead of pulling over, Doorley continued driving to her house and pulled into her garage.
When the officer approached Doorley she told him she “didn’t feel like stopping” and was under stress due to ongoing murder cases. Doorley then called Chief of Police Dennis Kohlmeier asking him to instruct the officer to “leave me alone” and referring to the officer as an [expletive].
Doorley pleaded guilty in municipal court last Tuesday. However the Rochester City Council believes this is not enough to address the seriousness of her actions and the potential damage to public trust in the justice system.
In a letter to New York Attorney General Letitia James the council members wrote “Recent body camera footage shared by the Webster Police Department has raised significant concerns regarding Ms. Doorley’s behavior during a traffic stop in Webster, New York. This incident has led us to question her fitness to serve as District Attorney and we believe an investigation by your office is warranted.”
They added “Such behavior undermines the credibility and integrity of our justice system and erodes public trust.”
In a statement Doorley attempted to explain her actions saying that when she realized the officer intended to pull her over for speeding she called the police chief to inform him that she was not a threat and that she would speak to the officer at her house down the street. She further claimed to accept responsibility and said she “had no intention of using my position to receive a benefit.”
The Rochester City Council’s call for an investigation reflects the seriousness of the incident and the potential consequences for Doorley beyond a speeding ticket. As the district attorney Doorley is expected to uphold the law and set an example for the community she serves.
The body camera footage has raised significant concerns about Doorley’s judgment and behavior during the traffic stop. It has also sparked a broader discussion about the accountability of public officials and the importance of maintaining public trust in the justice system.
As the investigation unfolds the public will be watching closely to see what actions are taken and what consequences Doorley may face. Regardless of the outcome, the incident serves as a reminder that no one is above the law and that public officials must be held to the highest standards of conduct.
