The effort will be done by implementing de-escalation policies, for example, de-escalation performance would be a factor in promotion decisions.
Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin Caba also signed an ordinance to create a community advisory board. The board is designed to build respect between police officers and the community.
Officials say that it will also help ensure the implementation of best practices in de-escalation policies and programs.
"Input from the public. Many police departments and police officers may not necessarily embrace this. We do here in Perth Amboy, because we want to make it better. And the only way to make it better is with that input from the public,” says acting Perth Amboy Police Chief Larry Catano.
Eighteen new police officers will be out on patrol in Perth Amboy once they finish the academy.