This isn’t the first rallying cry for change in the Syracuse Police Department. Although local leaders improved policies, the "Last Chance for Change" protesters are still left with concerns.

What You Need To Know

  • The Last Chance for Change protesters have a list of demands to improve the Syracuse Police Department
  • The police chief says he supports some of the demands, but others are already in place
  • He's ready to sit down and discuss their demands
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“I think we do have a renewed sense of urgency to address these issues,” said Kenton Buckner, the Syracuse police chief. “I think any police department that hopes to be successful in engaging this community going forward needs to genuinely listen to the concerns from our community because if you don’t, I think you’re going to find yourself on the wrong side of history.”

Buckner said he hears the protesters and supports some of their demands, such as repealing law 50-a.

“From a transparency standpoint, I think the public has a right to know who is protecting and serving our community and their respective backgrounds,” said Buckner.

He also said he’ll continue collaborating with the Citizen Review Board and values their oversight. But he doesn’t agree with giving them more power to investigate and discipline.

“I’m very protective of my responsibility,” said Buckner. “I think it’s the chief of police's responsibility to hand out discipline and investigate discipline for the police officers.”

Protesters would also like to update the new use-of-force policy, so officers shoot to disarm rather than kill.

“I don’t know of any agency that trains to shoot to kill,” said Buckner. “If you’re in a shooting situation, it’s a life or death situation when it’s legal, and your goal in that incident is to stop the threat.”

When it comes to stopping an individual, the protesters want officers to identify themselves and their reason. Buckner said this should be part of their approach already.

“If you have an officer that is not disclosing to you why he or she is stopping you, you should file a formal complaint,” said Buckner. “Because at the appropriate time, you certainly have the right to know why.”

The chief said each traffic stop should be documented. He believes transparency and educating the community on current policies will help during this fight for reform.

“We need to keep our eyes open as to what’s going on nationally and locally,” said Buckner. “I think we need to continue pursuing 21st century policing in every aspect of our organization, none of which should be done without the support and participation of our community.”

Buckner said he’s ready to meet them at the table.