Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley faced criticism after a bodycam footage released by Webster Police Department revealed a contentious interaction during a traffic stop. Doorley was caught speeding at 55 mph in a 35 mph zone near her home in Webster, New York. Instead of pulling over immediately, she chose to drive to her house and call Webster Police Chief Dennis Kohlmeier during the pursuit, informing him she was close to home and not a threat.
Upon reaching her home, the situation escalated as captured in the bodycam video. Doorley, visibly frustrated, refused to exit her garage to speak with the officer and was seen on the phone asking the police chief to intervene. During the exchange, she dismissively handed her phone to the officer, instructing him to talk to the chief and to leave her alone.
The officer, adhering to his duties, explained to Doorley that she was not above the law, despite her position. The dialogue became heated when Doorley snapped back, claiming to know the law better, and at one point, referred to herself emphatically as “THE DA” while retrieving her badge from her car. She also called the officer an “a–hole” and expressed her frustration over her day, which had been filled with handling severe criminal cases.
Doorley ultimately received a ticket for speeding and later pleaded guilty in municipal court, acknowledging her actions and affirming her belief in the importance of accountability, even for those in her position. In her statement following the incident, she emphasized her long-standing dedication to community safety and her respect for law enforcement, suggesting that the incident did not reflect her usual standards of behavior.
The incident stirred a discussion on the responsibilities of public officials to abide by the same laws they enforce and raised questions about the appropriateness of using one’s position to influence law enforcement practices.