Syracuse Police Benevolent Association President Joseph Moran said this year is becoming increasingly harder on police officers, and he expects it to get worse.

"During the course of this past year, a brush has been painted over the law enforcement profession, labeling us as villains, which is simply not true," said Moran.

Moran said they've received a lot of community support, and it is much appreciated.

"Having a cup of coffee with a citizen, a friendly smile and wave while driving through the neighborhood or just a simple 'thank you' regarding the service we provide. These encounters are real, and they occur daily," he said.

But with the community-police tension on the rise, coupled with recent crimes in Syracuse, Moran said officers need support. He said fewer people are taking the Civil Service Exam to work as a patrol officer in Onondaga County.

Moran said the number dropped from nearly 1,200 people in 2015 to 653 in 2020.

"As the pressure has mounted in our profession, there is clearly a lack of interest," he said.

The association is launching the "Syracuse Needs Police" campaign to help spark that interest, boost relations and morale.

"Over the next few months, members of the Police Benevolent Association will be distributing wall posters as you see here, and decal stickers to members in the community to further the discussion regarding the need for police in Syracuse," Moran said.

Moran said more training and instruction are needed among the police, but adds there are hundreds of millions of encounters nationwide each year that end without the use of physical force.

Spectrum News reached out to several groups and individuals who have been calling for police reform, but have not heard back yet.