Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/260020
Community policing and homelessness, two issues on the local radar screen, were among the topics former New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly addressed in Sarasota this week. Kelly, who stepped down from his post on Dec. 31 after holding it for the past 12 years, was the speaker at the Ringling College Library Association Town Hall 2014 lecture series at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota on Monday, Feb. 10. At the New York City Police Academy, Kelly earned the highest combined average for academics, physical achievement and marksmanship. He was twice appointed police commissioner and held that position longer than anyone else. Having served with the New York Police Department (NYPD) for 43 years in 25 different commands, Kelly has first-hand knowledge of the challenges facing all police departments. He told Sarasota residents Monday that "work- ing with the community is essential to reduce crime." He pointed out that as neighbor- hoods have become more diverse, so has the police department in New York. He believes "diversity [within the NYPD] strengthens the relationship with the community." The U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (left) prepares to shake hands with Raymond Kelly (right), then- commissioner of the New York City Police Department. Photo courtesy U.S. State Department via Wikimedia Commons THE FORMER NEW YORK CITY POLICE COMMISSIONER OFFERS INSIGHTS FROM A LONG, HIGHLY VISIBLE CAREER FROM COMMUNITY POLICING TO TERRORISM By Vicki Chatley Contributing Writer