IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. — Irondequoit Town Supervisor Dave Seeley says the police department must integrate itself with the community and build trust.

He says his goal is to pivot the police department to a "guardian" mentality with a focus on a widespread presence.

Seeley also wants to recruit more people of color to take the civil service test.

This is all part of a bigger goal to change the perception of the police department in the community and work on communication.

"We have taken great strides to really build that trust and legitimacy and transparency," said Seeley. "But as long as that perception is still out there, we need to address it. Even if it's a minority of the perception, we need to address it."

The town has to adopt a reform plan by April 1 under the governor's executive order. 

Residents can voice their opinions at a public hearing at its town board meeting on March 16.