This week on In Focus, we open a conversation on community policing across Upstate New York. JoDee Kenney sits down with Albany Common Council President Corey Ellis who talks about an approach to community policing with an emphasis on public safety and not enforcement. Ellis said he wants to see the creation of so-called ‘city ambassadors’ in Albany, who would be the front line of response to such non-emergency calls as loitering or noise complaints. The council president said diffusing issues on the neighborhood level can prevent escalating violence. He also called for the expansion of Albany’s Police Cadet Program, engaging students as young as sixth grade, to drive police recruitment within the city and create a more diverse department.

You can watch the full interview with Albany Common Council President Corey Ellis via the video player above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting Upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.