IRONDEQUOIT N.Y. — Working to ensure an open dialogue between police and the community, the town of Irondequoit and law enforcement gathered for a police community relations forum.

“I think it’s important really for transparency purposes, to really have a stakeholder connection with the community, to listen to individuals as far as what their opinions are what their input is,” said Irondequoit Police Chief Richard Tantalo.

Tantalo says his police department is working towards the goals outlined in the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, spearheaded by the Obama administration.

Community members say they are on board with bridging the gap between officers and the people they serve to protect.

“I want to do better. I can always improve as a person of white privilege," said Rev. Tim Meyer of the Irondequoit United Church of Christ. "It’s important for me to reach out to understand what’s going on in the community and the only way for me to do that is for me is hearing their issues.”

 

Eastridge High School student, Nate Maxam-Mattice, 17, engaged in discussion, and says he receives more of an understanding about what police are doing to stay connected with area teens.

“As a kid, it’s important to know. I think a lot of people think police are bad people, but in reality they’re not and they help society in many ways,” said Maxam-Mattice. “I feel like this will help me understand more about how police do their jobs and why they do them.”

The goal of the forum is to create a broader initiative throughout the Greater Rochester area to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the community.