Police commission or advisory board? New Hartford to hold public hearing to end confusion

What’s in a name?

The town of New Hartford is looking to clear up confusion by either renaming or abolishing the New Hartford Police Commission, as it's an advisory board, not a commission.

There will be a public hearing on Aug. 7 regarding the local law abolishing the New Hartford Police Commission as established in New Hartford Town Code Chapter 24.

New Hartford Town Supervisor Paul Miscione said the police commission was established as an advisory board and didn’t have police commission authority.

“If you read the actual law, it doesn’t give them any legal rights for hiring or firing or over budgetary items,” Miscione said.

Miscone cited the recent shooting of a 13-year-old in Utica and crimes in other areas as a reason why they’re addressing this now.

According to Miscone, the New Hartford Police Commission has been approached by the public under the assumption that the Commission has powers, but it doesn’t.

“We don’t want the public to be misled,” the supervisor said. “We think the word ‘commission’ is too strong a word for the authority they have.”

Looking into the future, Miscone said that the town of New Hartford may establish an advisory board or something under a different name.

The public hearing will take place at the town of New Hartford Municipal Building, 8635 Clinton Street, New Hartford, on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.