Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins called for suspension and felony charges against Officer Luke Deer, after the violent arrest of three Albany residents last month.

"I just want to thank the mayor and police chief for their swift reaction to this matter," said youth basketball coach Jamil Hood.

Local advocates began the dialogue of unity after the tense arrest nearly split the community apart. Hood says now is the time for community organizations to work together.

"It's time to start promoting some of the positive things that go on in the city of Albany," Hood said.

Other members of the community agree. Deryl Brick, co-owner of a Central Avenue barbershop for 20 years, says he — as always — used his business to shape men in the community to be a cut above.

He hopes the incident will be an opportunity to see real change to neighborhood police.

"We need to get a lot more as a community to make sure we get the effective changes we need," McCarry said.

Michael McDermott, the attorney representing Deer, says it was never the officer's intent to do anything but his job. But community advocates believe Deer's response did not match the offence.

"I understand the frustration of having to call the police several times but a noise violation is not an appropriate response," said community advocate Dannille Hille.

Residents are planning a rally at 340 1st Ave. on Monday, in hopes of bettering community police relations.

"We have to be the change we want to see, and that means making sure our voices are heard," Hille said.