MLK III emphasizes common goals during upstate visit

Creating safer, stronger communities across New York is a goal shared by law enforcement, lawmakers and residents. Today, a man whose father was known for bringing communities together and working for civil rights continues that work here.

Community was the key word in Thursday’s discussion between law enforcement and Martin Luther King III. The group talked about the importance of being able to trust and lean on each other.

Law enforcement, pastors, council members and residents all spoke to King about what works in Syracuse and ways to improve safety in the city.

But in reality, he said all of Upstate New York could benefit from creating a strong foundation on which residents, officials and the community at large would work toward common goals.

“We don’t have enough of this structure operating at maximum capacity,” the philanthropist said. “It must operate at maximum capacity to achieve maximum results.”

A 2022 Gallup poll showed that trust in police declined from 51% to 45% in three years. Improving relationships between law enforcement and residents is essential to keeping the state safe.

“There’s always an opportunity to make progress if people are willing to come to the table and talk,” King said. “And that’s what happened today. A conversation. There are still underlying issues, whether it’s Syracuse or Atlanta. But there are issues.

Several law enforcement agencies attended Thursday’s discussion. A police chief said they continue to make efforts to participate in community events to connect with residents, especially young people, which many police officials say happens across the board. the state.

Earlier this year, two area law enforcement officers, Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Lt. Michael Hoosock, were killed by a man they were chasing in Salina while on duty.