NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill: Remember What You Told Harlem Residents in 2017?

 

From The G-Man Urges Department Leader to Honor His Word
If Forced to Render a Decision on Officer Daniel Pantaleo's Future

The following excerpt is from the 2017 news report "NYPD Commissioner: We're Making Progress in Police-Community Relations, But We Still Have a Long Way to Go", which was a From The G-Man exclusive.

On June 15, New York City Police Commissioner James O'Neill appeared at the 32nd Precinct Community Council meeting in Harlem and addressed issues presented by civic groups, community activists and residents. 

The commissioner was warmly welcomed by those in attendance, as were 32nd Precinct Deputy Inspector Michael Baker and other NYPD officials that were on hand, and residents took the opportunity to convey their appreciation for his service to the city and department.

"It is an honor to have you here, sir. We thank you for all that you're doing to deal with crime and improve the relationship between police and the community, said one resident. 

In his opening statement, O'Neill noted that crime levels had dropped in the city and attributed the decrease to the reestablishment of community policing. "I believe a big reason for the decrease is because we're placing a lot more focus on community policing. If we want to control crime in the city, we have to interact with communities and they have to interact with us," he stated. 

The commissioner, who has served in the position for nearly nine months, was extremely direct in addressing the long-standing issues between police officers and communities of color. Without mentioning any specific incident, he pointed out how the record number of protests that occurred in 2014 dramatically impacted and marred the relationship between the NYPD and residents from various communities. "That was an extremely difficult year for the NYPD and the city, and much of what happened was self-inflicted," said O'Neill. "Things are moving in the right direction now. We're definitely making progress in police-community relations, but we still have a long way to go." 

Commissioner O'Neill answered all questions with extreme candidness and a sense of compassion, including follow-ups posed by From The G-Man.