The NYPD hosted a forum Monday night to gain firsthand insight into the issues affecting the community.
Bronx residents had the opportunity to have face-to-face discussions at the Bronx Christian Fellowship Church with police officers about their concerns and fears of gun violence, gangs and drug use.
Police Commissioner James O’Neill teamed up with pastors Tim and Que English to bridge gaps in communication with the community.
“Somebody came up and said, ‘We want policing that's done with us and not to us,’ so that's why we continue to go around the city to make these connections,” says O’Neill.
O’Neill, along with top officials from northeast Bronx precincts, addressed rampant K-2 use, gang violence and school safety.
“This goes beyond ‘if you see something say something,’” says Pastor Tim English. “We'll talk about that later -- we want active participation.”