Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday that more trust is needed between police and residents in the wake of a death in police custody.
De Blasio, a Democrat who took office in January, made improving relations between the NYPD and communities of color a centerpiece of his campaign.
He faced his first significant test when Eric Garner died in police custody July 17 after being placed in a chokehold. The death has inflamed portions of the African-American community who feel victimized by police.
De Blasio said that his administration is reaching out to those who feel upset. And he accepted responsibility for improving things, saying “the buck stops here.”