It's been almost a year since Eric Garner died after he was put in a police chokehold last July.

Many people who spoke with NY1 in Tompkinsville Park near where the incident happened say they still feel unfairly targeted by the NYPD.

"Cops are just out of line," a woman said.

"They go out there to kill the people," said another park-goer.

That's the type of anti-police sentiment Staten Island resident Mike Oats says he's trying to change. The local freelance newspaper photographer says cops themeselves have become a target in the borough and accross the country.

"There is been nothing but anti-police here, anti-police there and somebody has got to say something about it," said Oats.

Oats shook the hands of police officers at the 120 precinct Thursday. It's down the street from where Garner died. He plans to do the same thing at every precinct citywide.

"These guys have a tough job to do and let them do their job," said Oats.

Sal Sottile owns a local security company. He works with police officers at local precincts. He says hostility towards cops is a loss for the entire community.

"They are the very ones that if there is a need or emergency - they are the ones that will be called no matter what fence you are on," said Sottile.

Sottile and many NY1 spoke with say they have seen police-community relations improve over the past few months.

"I see how they try to mingle with the community and get to know eachother. They are not too forceful," said another park-goer.

"We have all seen a difference. The anti-police rhetoric has calmed down. The demonstrations for the most part," added Sottile.

As for Oats, he has also started a facebook page in support of police officers.

Police organizations from around the country are also following Oat's page. He said he would not be opposed to taking his campaign nationwide.

"Even just the general public. Everytime they see a police officer on the street. Just to walk up and say hey guys. Thank you," added Oats.