Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for coverage of the initial video, including a full breakdown of what’s inside it – click here to check out our original story from over the weekend.
The Canandaigua Police Department has issued a formal statement responding to public criticism surrounding a body-worn camera video of a November police encounter involving an autistic father and his young son.
In a letter dated Jan. 14 and signed by Chief of Police Mathew A. Nielsen, the department said it became aware of the video after it began circulating widely on social media and drawing significant attention. Officials characterized the encounter as a brief interaction initiated out of concern for a child’s welfare.
According to the statement, the officer involved observed an adult with a child who had urinated in his pants while walking in public. Police said the officer made contact to assess whether the child was under appropriate supervision and requested to speak with the adult away from the child in an effort to maintain privacy and dignity.
The department said the officer determined during the interaction that the individual was not intoxicated or impaired, that the circumstances were related to a developmental condition, and that the child was safe and properly cared for. Police said the interaction was then concluded.
Chief Nielsen stated that an administrative review of the incident has been completed and that the department determined the officer’s actions were warranted under the circumstances and complied with departmental policy related to child welfare checks.
At the same time, the statement acknowledged the sensitivity of police interactions involving individuals with disabilities or other vulnerabilities. The department said it recognizes the impact such encounters can have on individuals and families, even when officers’ intentions are focused on safety.
The statement emphasized that the Canandaigua Police Department is a New York State–accredited agency and that officers receive training in mental health response, crisis intervention, de-escalation tactics and disability awareness. Officials said the department takes community concerns seriously and will begin its annual in-service training schedule with department-wide instruction aimed at reinforcing recognition, sensitivity and appropriate tactics when interacting with vulnerable community members.
The letter did not address specific allegations raised by critics, including claims that the encounter amounted to an unlawful detention or that a warrantless search occurred. It also did not reference the department’s handling of public comments on social media or any potential disciplinary action related to the incident.
The video that sparked the backlash continues to circulate online, where it has fueled ongoing debate over police conduct, disability awareness and constitutional rights. No charges were filed in connection with the encounter, and no lawsuits have been publicly announced as of this report.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].