Mayor Laura Lewis announced the appointment of Kathy Zoner, the former Chief of Cornell University Police, as a consultant to guide the establishment of the City’s Unarmed Response Unit and formulate the new Deputy City Manager for Public Safety role.
With a recognized history in creating law enforcement agencies promoting community accessibility, safety, and mutual respect, Zoner’s new role aims to realize a comprehensive public safety response strategy, aligning with recommendations made by the Special Committee on Public Safety earlier this year. “Her expertise… will allow for us to design a new model of public safety for our whole community,” remarked Mayor Lewis.
Zoner, who boasts an illustrious career that began at Cornell University in 1991 and culminated as its Police Chief from 2009-2019, has consistently championed community-centric law enforcement initiatives. As she steps into her new role, she will collaborate with vital community stakeholders, including the Ithaca Police Department and local non-profits, to delineate the tasks for the unarmed response team and enhance collaboration between officers and community organizations. This comprehensive approach encompasses crafting job descriptions, establishing policies, devising training resources, and ensuring beneficial community engagements.
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