(AP) -- Mayor Bill de Blasio says there has to be "an honest conversation" about the history of racism in the U.S. to help bring together police and the community.

Appearing on ABC's "This Week" on Sunday, de Blasio declined to answer specifically when host George Stephanopoulos pressed him on whether he respected the grand jury's decision last week to not indict a white officer in the chokehold death of a black Staten Island man.

De Blasio said he respects the judicial process and is focusing on how to change the dynamics between police and residents to bring them closer.

He refuted criticism from a police union official that he wasn't supporting the officers and said he has "immense respect for the men and women who protect us."