The death of Andre Thomas has raised questions about Swissvale Police Department policies on the use of force. It also has sparked discussions about racial tensions in the community that, some residents say, have existed for years.

More than 60 people from throughout Allegheny County gathered Monday at Union Baptist Church in Swissvale to voice frustrations about the death of Mr. Thomas and to offer suggestions on how to improve relations with police.

Mr. Thomas died early Aug. 5, shortly after Swissvale police subdued him with a Taser. Autopsies by the Allegheny County medical examiner's office and independent forensic expert Cyril Wecht could not pinpoint a cause of death. The results of toxicology exams of Mr. Thomas are pending.

"There is an estranged relationship with law enforcement and the African American community, not just in Swissvale, but throughout the country," said T. Rashad Byrdsong, founder of Community Empowerment Association Inc., which organized the Community Forum Remembering Andre Thomas.

"We're not here today to say all law enforcement [officers] are bad people. But we need to look at the system."

Ben Johnson, 17, of Edgewood, said: "Ever since I was a kid, I've seen all of my black friends being put down on the ground and being chased by the police."

"Some cops are good cops, but on the same note, there are rotten cops," said Louise Walker, of Swissvale, adding that during a traffic stop, a Swissvale officer addressed her by saying, "Yo bro."

Mayor Deneen Swartzwelder and officer Amanda Ford endured a barrage of criticism, particularly after declining to explain the police department's policy on the use of force.

Mayor Swartzwelder said the policy and the council ordinance approving the use of Tasers -- both public records -- would be released by the borough at a later date. She said Police Chief Greg Geppert did not attend the meeting because of a prior engagement.

Mayor Swartzwelder said more police officers would likely participate in a similar community forum, but only if it was not a "police-bashing" forum.

"If we're going to build good relationships, police can't bash youth and youth can't bash police," she said. "We, as adults, have to set an example."

The Black & White Reunion, an organization started after the 1995 death of motorist Jonny Gammage, said an independent investigation into Mr. Thomas' death must be conducted and that officers involved should be relieved of duty. Mr. Gammage died of asphyxiation during a stop by suburban police

Other attendees suggested that police undergo more extensive sensitivity training and attend future community forums to forge better relationships with residents. They also suggested that the borough make renewed efforts to fund activities for youth.

"I grew up in Swissvale and the police were more community-oriented [then]," said the Rev. Sheldon Stoudemire, who now lives in Clairton.

The Rev. Stoudemire said a community breakfast with Swissvale, Rankin and Braddock police officers a decade ago helped improve tensions between officers and black residents.

"This is a first step in the right direction, but there need to be more talks like this with the Swissvale Police Department present," he said.

There also were calls for Swissvale residents to become more involved with local government and to reach out to police officers themselves to initiate better relationships.

"I may be naive, but I don't think [police] go out and say, 'I want to go kill someone to- day,' " said Les Scales, 23, of Vernon Avenue in Swissvale.

Veryl Lawson, a Woodstock Avenue resident and member of the Swissvale Block Watch, said: "If you go to council meetings, you would not believe the rapport you develop with council members and police."

Calling the meeting productive, Mayor Swartzwelder said she would take recommendations from it to the police chief and council at Wednesday's council meeting.