Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley is under fire after body camera footage captured her refusing to stop for a police officer who attempted to pull her over for speeding. The incident which occurred on Monday has led to widespread criticism of Doorley’s behavior and calls for an investigation into her conduct.
According to the footage, Doorley was driving 20 miles per hour over the speed limit in a 35 mph zone when the officer tried to pull her over. Instead of stopping, Doorley continued driving to her house and pulled into her garage.
“I didn’t feel like stopping.” said an arrogant New York District Attorney Sandra Doorley refuses to be pulled over by police for speeding pic.twitter.com/OZA0PWM7RM
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) April 27, 2024
When the officer approached Doorley she told him she “didn’t feel like stopping” and was under stress due to ongoing murder cases. She then called Chief of Police Dennis Kohlmeier asking him to instruct the officer to “leave me alone” and referring to the officer as an [expletive].
Doorley pleaded guilty in municipal court on Tuesday. However many believe this is not enough to address the seriousness of her actions and the potential damage to public trust in the justice system.
NEW: New York District Attorney Sandra Doorley runs from the police after an officer tried pulling her over, says she should get special treatment because she is the DA.
This is what you call a Corrupt Karen.
Doorley said she "didn't feel like stopping" because she was… pic.twitter.com/bQnFlS68Q1
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 27, 2024
The Rochester City Council has sent a letter to New York Attorney General Letitia James calling for an investigation into the incident. In the letter the council members wrote “Recent body camera footage shared by the Webster Police Department has raised significant concerns regarding Ms. Doorley’s behavior during a traffic stop in Webster, New York. This incident has led us to question her fitness to serve as District Attorney and we believe an investigation by your office is warranted.”
They added “The behavior exhibited by Ms. Doorley during the traffic stop as captured in the body camera footage appears to violate these standards. Such behavior undermines the credibility and integrity of our justice system and erodes public trust.”
In a statement, Doorley attempted to explain her actions saying that when she realized the officer intended to pull her over for speeding she called the police chief to inform him that she was not a threat and that she would speak to the officer at her house down the street. She claimed to accept responsibility and said she “had no intention of using my position to receive a benefit.”
So this will be an interesting week for Sandra Doorley. The letter below certainly doesn’t help her and after re-reading her “Statement” released previously, this sentence will never age well..
“My work to ensure the safety and respect of law enforcement is well-proven time and… pic.twitter.com/3HlWpJgloE
— Arline (@ArlineL0) April 28, 2024
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the accountability of public officials and the importance of maintaining public trust in the justice system. Many have called for Doorley’s resignation or removal from office arguing that her behavior was unacceptable for someone in her position.
Others have defended Doorley pointing to her long career in public service and her record of fighting crime in Monroe County. They argue that while her actions during the traffic stop were inappropriate they do not negate her contributions to the community.
As the investigation into Doorley’s conduct moves forward the public will be watching closely to see what actions are taken and what consequences she may face. Regardless of the outcome the incident serves as a reminder that public officials must be held to the highest standards of conduct and that no one is above the law.
