Relations between police and the public last year were the most strained we've seen in decades following the shooting by police of an unarmed black teen in Ferguson, Missouri, and the death of a man in Staten Island who died after being arrested by police.

Several positive steps were recently taken to help thaw the tensions and distrust between the two groups. After talking to police and residents in Yonkers, New York, Hector Santiago, a lifelong New York City resident and a former gang member turned businessman and community activist, felt a simple handshake would be a step forward.Detective Lt. Patrick McCormack agreed with his proposed Stop and Shake campaign, stating that there is something about a handshake that bonds people.Police have been advised to offer a handshake when the situation appears appropriate, but there are some basic ground rules.Police are told not to offer a handshake with their hands on their weapons. Residents, meanwhile, are advised not to approach police at a crime scene or during a dangerous situation such as a car crash.A second initiative idea was unveiled in Akron, Ohio. After police in Cleveland shot and killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice on a playground, the Akron Police Department and an anti-violence youth group known as the Akron PeaceMakers collaborated to create two-sided cards for helping deal with police.The glossy cards, titled "You and the Law," are being given to every middle and high school student in the city. Fifteen bullet points outline "basic rights and responsibilities," as well as suggestions to ensure safety during an encounter.They begin by suggesting that students stay out of trouble and then proceed with how, during interactions with police, students should control their emotions, answer questions about their identity, and put their hands in plain sight. It urges them not to "bad-mouth" or walk away from the law-enforcement officials, or resist arrest for any reason.The best piece of advice appears at the top of each card by stating that the "easiest way to avoid conflict with law enforcement officials is simply to stay out of trouble."The reverse side of the card advises students to report police misconduct and includes the proper phone numbers to call.After all the rioting, demonstrating and finger-pointing last year, it's good to see people looking for constructive ways to help their communities and police communicate and come together.Building trust and harmony is a giant, positive step to avoid the kinds of tragedies and chaos that erupted last year.By JIM ZBICKtneditor@tnonline.com