Giving back and bridging the gap.

Those are the goals of a group of Syracuse police officers, as they celebrated Earth Day a week early.

The Central New York Association for Minority Police, also known as CAMP 415, along with volunteers cleaned up Skiddy Park on Saturday.

The organization is trying to build better relationships between the Syracuse Police Department and minority community.

Officials believe having events like this and showing people that they care will help them do that.

"When we people see police officers chipping in to help out it gives a different meaning to what a police officer is and hopefully it fosters in a good relationship with the community, where they know that then can count on us not just for enforcing laws, but also for helping out the neighborhoods,” said CNY Association for Minority Police President Esteban Trotman

Camp 415 also says part of their mission is encouraging more minorities to enlist in the Syracuse Police Department.