Death of Tyre Nichols: Westchester police, community leaders aim to improve relations

The community came together for a vigil in Mount Vernon on Tuesday in remembrance of Nichols.

News 12 Staff

Feb 1, 2023, 1:08 AM

Updated 473 days ago

Share:

Westchester police, elected officials and clergy are banding together to work on the relationship between law enforcement and their communities in the wake of the violent death of Tyre Nichols.
The community came together for a vigil in Mount Vernon on Tuesday in remembrance of Nichols.
Activists and local police then gathered at a unity event at Renaissance Plaza in White Plains.
Speakers at both events emphasized the need for improving the cultures in local police departments.
Organizers say civilians must help shape police policies and hiring practices.
"It's a little less about what we're teaching them, and a little more about what we're teaching the other side. Training doesn't seem to be helping so we have to figure out what's the next step," says Lesia Suarez.
White Plains Police Department Chief Joseph Castelli says his officers are willing to be taught and accept help from their community.
"You want to be that trusted part of the community that people don't have to worry about going to or interacting with us. We don't want to be outside the community," he says.
The chief says they're still working on changes recommended by the community during their police-modernization board discussions, which were mandated by the state after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
He says it was important that the police showed the people on Tuesday that they're still ready to listen.


More from News 12
State police: Crash closes section of Southern State Parkway in West Babylon

State police: Crash closes section of Southern State Parkway in West Babylon

1:56
Mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions on Long Island

Mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions on Long Island

0:50
Northwell Health Walk at Jones Beach raises money to support women and children

Northwell Health Walk at Jones Beach raises money to support women and children

0:15
Superintendent: Swastika found on classroom desk at Harborfields High School

Superintendent: Swastika found on classroom desk at Harborfields High School

Guide: School Vote 2024 budgets and tax informaton

Guide: School Vote 2024 budgets and tax informaton

0:39
Police: Man injured in Wyandanch shooting; suspect at large

Police: Man injured in Wyandanch shooting; suspect at large

1:59
Greenlawn teen arrested, accused of making ‘threat of mass harm’ at Oldfield Middle School

Greenlawn teen arrested, accused of making ‘threat of mass harm’ at Oldfield Middle School

1:45
 Missed swim lessons due to COVID-19 may be contributing to rise in child drownings

Missed swim lessons due to COVID-19 may be contributing to rise in child drownings

0:51
Vet Fest in Farmingdale aims to support, encourage veterans who need help

Vet Fest in Farmingdale aims to support, encourage veterans who need help

0:17
Authorities: George Washington Bridge climber in custody

Authorities: George Washington Bridge climber in custody

0:32
Police: 3 people arrested during State Liquor Authority compliance check at Huntington Station deli

Police: 3 people arrested during State Liquor Authority compliance check at Huntington Station deli

2:28
How did a Nassau County doctor overprescribe highly addictive pain pills, despite strict laws in place?

How did a Nassau County doctor overprescribe highly addictive pain pills, despite strict laws in place?

1:43
CDC urges people to get vaccinated amid resurgence of mpox

CDC urges people to get vaccinated amid resurgence of mpox

1:46
Hit-and-run on South Oyster Bay Rd. in Plainview leaves woman with concussion, 6 staples in head

Hit-and-run on South Oyster Bay Rd. in Plainview leaves woman with concussion, 6 staples in head

0:26
Principal: Student approached by van full of men in ski masks in Selden

Principal: Student approached by van full of men in ski masks in Selden

1:39
Montauk Music Festival rocks the East End

Montauk Music Festival rocks the East End

2:06
Homeowners asked to check home security video after string of Nassau County break-ins

Homeowners asked to check home security video after string of Nassau County break-ins

0:24
Police: Hempstead man exposed, touched himself inappropriately at Roosevelt Field Mall

Police: Hempstead man exposed, touched himself inappropriately at Roosevelt Field Mall

1:53
Toys for Tots make contribution to Promise of Hope Foundation to honor fallen Detective Jonathan Diller

Toys for Tots make contribution to Promise of Hope Foundation to honor fallen Detective Jonathan Diller

2:29
Museum of American Armor hosting 10th anniversary of World War II Encampment weekend

Museum of American Armor hosting 10th anniversary of World War II Encampment weekend