Oneida Times

City of Utica issued the following announcement on Oct.

BETWEEN COMMUNITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

Mayor Palmieri today unveiled signage throughout the City to encourage community members to speak out against crime and to enhance cooperation with law enforcement. 

In February, the City of Utica’s Access and Inclusion Committee organized a Solutions Summit which brought the community together to discuss effective ways to stop gun violence.  The idea for creating and displaying this signage was raised by community members who attended the Summit.  

In an effort to promote transparency and partnerships, the City has taken the following actions, many of which were initiatives introduced by the community at the Summit:

Made improvements to the Empowerment Center to expand mentorship opportunities

Developing a Police Athletic League (PAL) to help build and foster positive relationships between the City’s youth and police personnel

Allocated funding to develop a website for youth and families to identify and access opportunities for services and recreation

Among the first Police Departments in New York State to record all police interrogations, mandate body-worn cameras and make the personnel files of Utica Police Officers public

Working with the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties to effectively implement resources dedicated to Racial Justice and Equity

Worked in collaboration with HomeOwnership Center to create a mural dedicated to black culture and social justice in Kemble Park

In addition, the Access and Inclusion Committee, in partnership with the Utica Police Department, will be hosting a “National Night Out” consisting of a movie night in Kemble Park on Tuesday October 6th at 4:00 pm.

Hamburgers and hotdogs will be provided to attendees (more details can be found in the attached flyer).  

Due to COVID-19 regulations, a maximum of 50 people can be in the park.  Attendees will be granted access on a first come, first serve basis.  All other Department of Health guidelines, including social distancing and wearing of a face covering must be observed.  

Mayor Palmieri stated, “When our community speaks, we must listen, and I’m pleased to announce progress on several initiatives and ideas that were brought to the City’s attention at the Solutions Summit.  I’m proud of our community and Police Department, and we will continue to build relationships and bridges to promote equality and public safety.”

Access and Inclusion Chairman Tony Colon stated, “The Access and Inclusion Committee is dedicated to the idea that understanding and cooperation will be the compass that navigates our community through the challenges we face.  Together we are

Utica, and together is the only way to build a better, stronger, safer city.”  

Utica Police Chief Mark Williams stated, “Community partnerships between law enforcement and the residents we serve is an effective way to reduce crime in our neighborhoods and develop solutions to problems. Our residents are the first to know when something isn’t right in their neighborhood. Cooperation from our community is critical in reducing crime. We are truly better when we work together!”

Original source here.