Image by Markayla Madill
First Step In Strengthening The Relationship With Syracuse Housing Authority Residents
Syracuse Police Chief
Kenton Buckner spoke to a crowd of over 50 SHA residents and staff at
Toomey Abbot Towers. His first visit with SHA community members
comes six months into his new role as top cop.
Chief Buckner
came prepared with local crime data and spoke about the challenges his
department faces. He specifically addressed police response times, a major
source of frustration for SHA residents. He explained that when calls come
in, they are triaged into high, medium and low priority calls, based on the
level of risk associated with the complaint. Chief Buckner acknowledged the
frustration of callers
reporting issues such as trespassers, but stated calls involving bodily injury
must be cleared before officers can respond nonviolent
offenses.
He acknowledged
that a long wait is frustrating for both the callers and the officers alike. If
it takes two hours to respond, there is often not much the officers on duty can
do if the subject is no longer in the area. The answer is evident; more
officers are needed that what the department currently has available. The Chief
then described the efforts his team is taking to recruit and train new
officers.
Buckner also
described how to make anonymous reports by calling the SPD criminal
investigations division at (315) 442-5222. All calls will remain confidential.
To avoid retaliation by individuals committing crime on housing
property, you can ask that SPD not come to your apartment.
You can also report crime anonymously using the “SPD Tips” app on smartphones.
Several members of the audience asked questions about a
recent video clip posted on social media which showed an officer using what
many viewers interpreted as excessive force. Buckner has publicly supported the
officer involved. Several others in the crowd asked questions about their
personal rights during traffic stops or when being approached by an officer in
a public space.
“Always comply
with the officer instructions,” Buckner says. “If you don’t feel you were
treated lawfully or with respect you should report to it to the office of
internal affairs. “I cannot investigate what I do not know about.” Chief
Buckner stated he was proud of his department work ethic but also acknowledged
that not every officer is cut out for community policing. A moment of levity
came when he said “The police department is just like your family
and mine, we all have at least one relative that cannot use the upstairs
bathroom.”
“When we find a
bad apple I will remove it,” pledged Buckner, he did however warn the
audience not to put all their stock in what you see and read on social media.
“You may see a 40 second clip, and it looks real bad. But we get to see the
full 6 minute video and that often put more actions into context. Just
understand that what you see and read on social media it’s not always the full
story.”
Overall, Chief
Buckner acknowledged that his department needs to strengthen relationships
with much of the community and he pledged transparency as his department works
to do so. “You may not always like to hear what I have to say, but I
promise you that I will always speak the truth.” Buckner went on to say,
“Change is difficult and not every decision I make will make me popular but I’m
okay with not being the most popular guy in the room.”
Chief Buckner will speak to residents again on August 21st at the
Salt Space building at 103 Wyoming St. at 5:30PM.