Change isn’t easy, and change takes times.

But Schenectady residents and police acknowledged it needs to happen with the current climate.

“I know people are hurt, but we got to bridge this gap,” said city resident Kaheem Priest.

“We took the oath to protect this community and it needs to look different than just the way it traditionally did,” said Schenectady Police Lt. Ryan Macherone.

Police and residents discussed those tensions and issues outside the Refreshing Spring Community Church Wednesday night. Some continue to question last week’s controversial arrest where an officer placed his knee on a suspect's neck to restrain him, while others called the chief’s message regarding Monday’s protest inappropriate.

“It is ridiculous that we are expected to be dehumanized and criminalized, and it’s just ridiculous that I’m supposed to treat you like human beings when you do not see me like that in the first place,” said Janiiya Hart, a city resident.

“There’s a lot more that needs to be done. I’ll tell you that,” Macherone said. “I’m not going to make excuses for why it hasn’t been done, and I value what you’re saying.”

Others encouraged those in attendance to go vote to make changes. The conversation was organized by Pastor Arnetta Dix. She said there needed to be a dialogue.

“I know there’s a lot of protests and people are angry, but making demands doesn’t get us anywhere if we haven’t sat and talked,” Dix said.

She said this is just the beginning with another conversation scheduled for later this month.

Police said it’s important to keep learning about these issues and communicating with residents on ways to address it. They say accountability is key and improving their training, like adding an anti-racism course.

“In this climate, more than ever, that’s something we’re looking into and bring that into the police department,” said Schenectady Sgt. Nick Mannix.