SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – “Honor. Respect. Accountability is very important,” said Ralph Boyd of Schenectady.

That's the formula people say is needed to clean up the Schenectady Police Department's image.

“We have not had that type of ingredient made totally available to the citizens, the community, the taxpayers, which they deserve,” said Boyd.

Stolen drug evidence and accusations of police brutality have caused many to question the department's credibility and commitment to protecting the community. That's why they're asking Police Commissioner Wayne Bennett and the City Council to take action.

“If you don't start looking at accountability on the part of your police department, you will continue to have problems with criminal behavior on the part of your police officers and excessive use of force against the citizens of Schenectady and that's unacceptable,” said one community member.

“That's the kind of feeling that goes out into the neighborhood and makes it really hard for people to come forward. You've had some criminal things that have happened over the past few years where people didn't come forward,” said Friendship Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Van I. W. Stuart.

To make things better, some are suggesting the appointment of an independent investigator, increasing diversity on the force and even consolidating with the county. Bennett said he'll talk about the public suggestions with the city council and adds that slow and steady progress is already underway.

“Before you can walk forward, you have to put in place policies and procedures and active discipline to make sure we don't go astray again,” Bennett.

And, he said, once policies are in place, strict enforcement is the final ingredient needed to restore integrity in the eyes of the community.