APD is a business and the citizens are the consumers. Currently in the process of professionalizing the department, providing a clear message and providing the tools for their staff to do the job including a series of professional development opportunities. The leadership will back an officer if they do their job right. Important to be open and communicative with the community. Important that they know what community wants.
First responsibility is to the community.
If they carry out their jobs as expected they won't have any problem. The department has been hit recently with some backlash but was not able to respond to the community until all of the facts were collected. Other communities have utilized effective tools of change. In Rochester, community members are relied on for oversight and are trained arbitrators. Working for something that will help the community and not build a barrier.