Community and police came together for a breakfast in a north Bronx neighborhood that has seen its share of violence but has also seen a reduction in shootings recently. NY1's Dean Meminger filed the following report.

Six hundred and fifty people packed the Eastwood Manor for the 47th Precinct Community Council's annual breakfast. So many, the commander of the NYPD's community affairs outreach division, Inspector Steven Griffith, was taken by surprise.

"I say this group right here are light years ahead of a lot of other places," Griffith said. "What's going on here is amazing, and I need to take some of this and take it to the other groups."

Every precinct in the city has a community council, but not all of them have such gatherings. The 47th Precinct has an exceptionally strong council, but it's not always easy bringing police and the community together. 

Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson told the crowd it shouldn't only focus on the so-called bad apples. 

"The community doesn't want to be judged by the actions of a few, and we're not here to judge the police department by the actions of a few," Johnson said. "There are a lot of very brave, hard-working people out there protecting us each and every day, and this is a good time to say thank you."

That's what was done here for cops who have saved lives and taken guns off the streets. In 2014, 145 guns were recovered in the 47th Precinct, up 13 percent from 128 seized the year before.

The council's president, Elizabeth Gill, said police officers who do the hard work are actually recognized throughout the year.

"I want to thank you officers, thank the community because you tell then where the guns are," Gill said.

The gun seizures may be helping to drive down violence. So far this year, shootings have decreased 43 percent compared to last year, even as they increased citywide.

Ruel Stephenson, the 47th Precinct's commanding officer, said he's also pushing hard to make sure officers do more than just answer 911 calls.

"We have a call-to-duty initiative where police officers chosen by me are now mentoring youth," Stephenson said. "We have Building Bridges initiative started in the 47th Precinct, which is an initiative where cops are engaging community members."

With the turnout at this breakfast, he knows the community has his back but also expects positive results from the NYPD.