The new Mount Vernon police chief says that he is focused on moving toward community policing in an interview with News 12.

Marcel J. Olifiers says that would include more foot patrols and bringing back a community affairs division.

"We have to be more diligent, and we have to be more proactive because there is no place for bad officers in this department," Olifiers says.

The 32-year department veteran says he's prepared for change that comes from reforms in policing as he steps into a leadership role in law enforcement.

"I always believe in transparency, and I always think the police department should be responsive to the community," he says.

Olifiers was promoted from lieutenant captain by Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard last Monday, filling a 10-month vacancy.