Creating safer and stronger communities across New York is a goal shared by law enforcement, lawmakers and residents. Now, a man whose father is renowned for bringing communities together and working for civil rights is continuing that work here.

Community was the key word of Thursday’s discussion between law enforcement and Martin Luther King III. The group talked about the importance of being able to trust and lean on one another.

Law enforcement, pastors, council members and residents all talked to King about what is working in Syracuse and ways they can improve safety in the city.

But really, he said all of upstate New York can benefit from creating strong foundations where residents, officials and the greater community work toward shared goals.

"We don't have enough of that structure that is operating at its maximum capacity," the philanthropist said. "It has to operate at maximum capacity to have maximum results."

A 2022 Gallup poll showed that trust in police declined from 51% to 45% in a three-year span. Improving the relationship between law enforcement and residents is vital to ensure the state is safe.

“There's always an opportunity to make progress if people are willing to come to the table and talk," King said. "And that's what this was today. A conversation. There's still some underlying issues, whether it's in Syracuse, or whether it's in Atlanta. But there are issues.”

Several law enforcement agencies attended Thursday's discussion. One police chief said they’re continuing to make an effort to go out to community events to build a connection with residents, especially youth, something many police officials say is happening across the state.

Earlier this year, two area law enforcement officers, Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Lt. Michael Hoosock, were killed by a man they were pursuing in Salina while on duty.