ithaca police department

The Ithaca Police Department plans to place automated cameras with license plate recognition technology in locations across the city.

"We're talking about reimagining public safety. And we're still hiring more [armed] officers," said Common Council member Phoebe Brown.

The findings are contrary to messaging from the Ithaca Police Department and its labor union, the Ithaca Police Benevolent Association.

The officers were on the scene briefly but left.

Myrick said police “cannot be everywhere and our safety is ultimately in our hands.”

He said Barksdale asked for help to complete investigations of cases she was assigned but the City and police department didn’t provide the support she needed. Barksdale is accused by the City of mishandling dozens of cases, including sex offenses.

“I am shocked and saddened by these revelations, which can easily erode public confidence in the IPD."

Police say the attack appears to have been random and that the specific officer was not targeted.

The D.A. said it was never his desire that either of the two young African-Americans arrested have criminal records or go to prison.

"I’m not asking for anyone to lose their job. I wish that they would just realize that there’s some sort of consequence to their actions."