After weeks of protests, Syracuse officials say they hear those marching for change.

“We’ve heard loud and clear from the community in recent weeks is that they want to see more progress and they want to see it faster,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh.

He created the Syracuse Police Reform Agenda, which is a three-pronged approach.

“First, is an immediate executive order and Common Council action to implement the Right to Know Act,” said Walsh. “Within the executive order, 16 other provisions to strengthen police accountability. That’s happening right now. That’s immediate.”

Passing the Syracuse Right to Know Act is one of the Last Chance for Change protesters’ demands.

It requires officers to identify themselves and their reason for interaction, and gives guidance on how to gain consent to search.

“If an officer does not comply with it, I encourage the public to come forward with a complaint,” said Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner. “It reaffirms our need to have the cameras so we can go back and verify those things.”

Obtaining body-worn cameras for all uniformed officers and adding dashboard cameras, revising the use of force policy, developing a new model for school safety and training on the history of racism are among the 16 provisions.

“We are going to then engage in direct discussions with a number of the protest groups and organizations who have submitted demands,” said Walsh. “We heard from 15 different groups in the community.”

The third action is complying with the state’s Executive Order 203, which is the Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative.

Local leaders must meet with stakeholders to develop a plan to enact.

The Common Council says they’ll continue to work with the administration and introduce their own legislation.

However, some protesters and local groups fighting for racial justice like SPAARC say the order is an important first step, but not enough. 

“I understand he’s signing the papers on certain things,” said Kayla Johnson, a Last Chance for Change organizer. “But, I need him to be the one that’s really breaking down on everybody like, ‘Listen, we need a change and it needs to be done the way they want it to be done."