Saratoga Springs hires outside attorney to help handle response to AG's reports on policing

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The city of Saratoga Springs is hiring an outside attorney to help negotiate proposed changes to the city's police practices. The New York State Attorney General's Office made a series of recommendations back in February.

It came after an investigation found past city leaders violated the rights of protestors in the aftermath of the 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minnesota. Current city officials have said they disagree with the report's findings and added they have already put many of the reforms in place.

"Police officers need clear direction and clear guidance, and that's what I want to do for our police officers," Saratoga Springs Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll said. "My deputy wants to do that as well, and that's our jobs. Our job is to get it right legally."

Civil rights activists have said they agreed with the report. The public safety commissioner said the city attorney will continue to oversee the negotiations.