Last summer, 13-year-old Nyah Mway was killed by Utica Police. Following a stop, the teen fled on foot and displayed what appeared to be a handgun, but was actually a pellet gun. Amid a struggle, an officer shot Mway, causing his death.
New York state Attorney General Letitia James’ Office found the officer’s actions were justified under the law. The fatal shooting caused tension between many community members and the police.
“There are certain segments that still think that that shooting wasn't justified or have an issue with how the report was, but we really need to focus on the positive aspects, what that community has done proactively to build bonds with us, and conversely, what we have done proactively to get those relationships back with them," said Utica Police Lt. Michael Curley.
Utica Police outlined some of their efforts to strengthen their neighborhood ties including having SNUG Outreach staff who connect with community members, their Save Our Streets program which in part reaches out to youth, the Trust Building Initiative, which is a weekly meeting with community members where they share their thoughts, and their Community Outreach Team.
With Utica having such a diverse population, police say they also take part in cultural training.
“Every time a new community comes in, we partner with The Center to have training both for our officers. As for that community, you know what to expect from law enforcement and really what we can expect from their cultural differences," Curley said.
As well-intended as these efforts may be, some community members say they are not the right approaches.
“I think you're always going to have a struggle with whatever Band-Aids you're putting on the problems when you're not addressing the root issue. There needs to be a lot more community policing," said Chris Sunderlin, a Utica native. He and other friends of Nyah Mway’s family said change is needed – more boots on the ground, new leadership and a different system.
“If there was like more requirements and stuff like that to becoming a cop, I feel like that would definitely help as well," said Shalomo Thin.
Still, some say it may not be enough.
“You can't bring him back. Sorry, is just a word. That’s not going to make people happy. So we are just trying to fight for Nyah Mway’s justice," said Lay Htoo.
Police said they want a positive relationship.
“We’re after the worst offenders. If you have information that you want to pass along to us, we're happy to listen. If you just want to have a conversation, we're happy to listen and just treat us as people well. We really are a part of the community. We want the community to be part of us as well," Curley said.
Thin added that he would like to see police departments in diverse communities be more open-minded.