New Rochelle PD Finds No Officers Violated Policies or Procedures in Jarrel Garris Shooting

Written By: Robert Cox

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (January 24, 2025) — The New Rochelle Police Department has concluded that no officers violated department policies or procedures during the incident. They reviewed an independent investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s Office, which also concluded that the officers’ actions were legally justified.

Statement from Police Commissioner Robert Gazzola

The New Rochelle Police Department has concluded its internal investigation into the death of Mr. Jarrel Garris, who was shot by a member of the department on July 3, 2023. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether any of the officers involved in the incident had committed violations of the department’s policies or procedures. A thorough investigation was conducted and it has been determined that none of the officers involved committed violations of department policies or procedures that would have prevented the outcome of the incident.

The New Rochelle Police Department thanks the New York State Police and the New York State Attorney General’s Office for conducting the independent investigation into the shooting. We have reviewed the September 18, 2024, New York State Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation’s investigative report of this incident which concluded that the officers had legal justification for their actions. We are closely reviewing the recommendations contained in the report and will implement those that align with the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Accreditation standards and the laws of the state of New York. The New Rochelle Police Department is committed to officer training and continuously reviews and updates its training programs to align with best practices and legal developments.

Jarrel Garris was shot by a New Rochelle Police Department officer on July 3, 2023.

The New York Attorney General, Letitia James, cleared the officers involved, stating there was legal justification for the use of force. The report noted Garris had PCP and marijuana in his system and highlighted the struggle where Garris grabbed for an officer’s gun.

Garris had a history of PCP use and exhibited erratic behavior in the days leading up to the incident, including self-harm, entering unauthorized premises, and starting a fire.

On the day of the incident, Garris was reported to be eating food in a grocery store without paying, leading to an interaction with the police.

Officer Statements

Officer Bird described Garris as appearing “out of it” and potentially noncompliant due to his size and behavior.

Detective Conn observed Garris’s behavior and thought he might be under the influence of drugs but did not engage until necessary.

Family and Community Reaction

  • The Garris family expressed frustration and anger over the lack of accountability, emphasizing the need for police reform.
  • Community and media reactions varied, with some focusing on the nature of the crime (eating strawberries) versus the response (use of lethal force).

Police Union Statements

  • Both the Affiliated Police Associations of Westchester and the New Rochelle Police Benevolent Association defended the officers, focusing on Garris’s actions during the arrest as the cause of the escalation.

Policy Recommendations: The AG’s report suggested improvements in police training and interaction with individuals in crisis, which New Rochelle PD committed to reviewing.

Conclusion: The investigation closed without charges against the officers, though it spurred discussions on police conduct, training, and community relations.

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