Former NYPD commissioner tells Westchester school, police officials improved collaboration is needed

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WHITE PLAINS – Former New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton told some 300 people at a School Safety Symposium at Purchase College Wednesday parents, teachers, police, fire and other first responders need to work together to help stave off incidents of violence like the Newtown, CT tragedy.

Bratton was the keynote speaker at Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino’s symposium. “The stark reality is that senseless acts of violence can never be completely eliminated,” Astorino told those in attendance. “But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. It’s a complicated issue – we all know that. There are public safety concerns, mental health issues and all sorts of societal influences at work.”

Bratton emphasized problem-solving, which starts with understanding the problem and working to fix it; and prevention, spotting the warning signals and addressing them.

Astorino will hold a second conference, on April 9, with health and mental health officials speaking.