Albany police chief, advisory committee talk community policing

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox sat down with the Albany Community Police Advisory Committee (ACPAC) for a forum with the public Tuesday night. The community members that attended this event asked many questions that were answered one card or one raised hand at a time.

“We need positive relationships with you all in the community,” said Cox. “It's about a reality of what's happening. And there is a reality of crime and disorder. That's a reality. But it's also about the perception of that crime and disorder”

ACPAC member Stefan Ivanov asked, “Will APD respect the city's sanctuary status and refrain from assisting ICE.”

Chief Cox responded, “Yes, this is a safe city for immigrants. We do not enforce civil law. So, immigration issues, 99% of the time are civil issues. We do not enforce detainers. That is our policy. We do not enforce immigration law.”

The exception, the chief says, is when a judge issues a warrant. “Warrants signed by a judge, there is no option for us to do. We reinforce that.”

That answer didn't sit well with some in attendance. “I myself work with a lot of, you know, refugees or whatnot in that population. So, it is a little concerning to hear that there's not going to be that well of support when it comes to that. Yeah, that's definitely scary for sure,” said one of the forum attendees.

Another concern was the police staffing levels and retention. “We’re down about 25% of our staff. Now, as of today, we're short 83 officers,” said the chief.

Another attendee said, “I think the confidence to these types of settings is going to really build the community relationships with the police department.”

Others at the forum wanted more. “There was some clarity I'll be at the next meeting they have,” said an ACPAC attendee.

Anyone interested in joining the force, has until April 2nd to apply.