A Rochester City Council letter to New York Attorney General Letitia James is calling for an investigation into the behavior of Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley during a recent traffic stop. The incident which occurred on Monday has raised questions about Doorley’s fitness to serve as district attorney.
According to body camera footage, Doorley was driving 55 mph in a 35 mph zone when a police officer attempted to pull her over. Instead of stopping, Doorley continued driving to her house and pulled into her garage.
The footage captured Doorley telling the officer she “didn’t feel like stopping” and was under stress due to ongoing murder cases. She 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. But the Rochester City Council believes this is not enough to make amends.
“I didn’t feel like stopping.” said an arrogant New York District Attorney Sandra Doorley refuses to be pulled over by police for speeding pic.twitter.com/OZA0PWM7RM
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) April 27, 2024
In their letter to Attorney General 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.”
They added “This incident has led us to question her fitness to serve as District Attorney and we believe an investigation by your office is warranted. Such behavior undermines the credibility and integrity of our justice system and erodes public trust.”
Doorley attempted to explain her actions in a statement 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 highlights the seriousness of the incident and the potential consequences Doorley may face 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 behavior and judgment during the traffic stop. The incident 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 it remains to be seen what further actions may be taken against Doorley and what impact this incident will have on her career as district attorney.
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.
