The Police Accountability Board announced today that Dr. Robert Harrison III has passed away.
Dr. Harrison, a founding member of the board, was appointed to represent the City’s Eastside in 2020 by City Council.
Board Chair Larry Knox stated, “Dr. Bob was often the center of spirited debate at the Police Accountability Board. His dedication to the mission of the agency and to his constituents was evident in the passion he exhibited while working with the PAB. He will truly be missed.”
Arlene Brown, vice chair of the agency added, “We are all saddened by Dr. Harrison’s passing. He was a tremendous supporter of the Police Accountability Board, its staff, and his fellow board members. He was a steward of this community and his legacy will continue through us. The entire agency is offering our thoughts to his family now.”
“On behalf of the Rochester City Council, we offer our deep condolences to Dr. Harrison’s family,” said Rochester City Council President Miguel A. Meléndez, Jr. “We appreciate Dr. Harrison’s commitment to the Police Accountability Board – as an inaugural Board member, Dr. Harrison served his neighbors as the East District representative for over three years. We are thankful to him & his family for sharing his time with the community. His loved ones will be in our thoughts as they mourn his loss.”
Dr. Harrison, who had called Rochester home since 1993, was a medical doctor specializing in internal medicine. He received a B.S. degree from Tougaloo College, a historically black school, and an M.D. degree from Northwestern. He retired from academic work at the University of Rochester in 2001.
Members of the board will hold a moment of silence honoring Dr. Harrison during the May 4, 2023 board meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m.
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