Some community leaders on Long Island say the relationship between the police and minorities is not as good as it can be.

William Watson Jr., pastor of the Free Will Baptist Church, says there is only an open dialogue between police and the community when there is an incident.

"There has to be transparency, an open dialogue and honesty with everybody," Watson told News 12.

However, Nassau Police Chief Steven Skrynecki describes the department's relationships with minority communities as "excellent" adding it's something they put a tremendous effort into.

"It's a cornerstone to our policing policy, from police officer right to commissioner. Everyone in this department is keenly aware of the importance of community relations and community outreach," said Skrynecki.

Skrynecki says precinct commanders hold monthly and sometimes weekly meetings with community leaders across the county. Residents can even participate in citizen academies or youth academies to get a better understanding of the department and its purpose.

Protesters took to the streets Wednesday night after a grand jury decided not to indict NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo in the death of Eric Garner, of Staten Island. Garner's death quickly drew comparisons to the death of Michael Brown, who was fatally shot by a white officer in Ferguson, Missouri.