NEW YORK — Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on Saturday said keeping NYPD officers safe was a top priority for his office, a day after the department's top cop said she was "concerned" about Bragg's plans to dial back prosecution of non-violent crimes.

A memo Bragg released last week said his office would no longer prosecute crimes like fare beating and resisting arrest, while shifting its focus to gun and domestic violence.

NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell responded to the memo in an email sent to members of her department Friday night, saying in part: "I have studied these policies, and I am very concerned about the implications to your safety as police officers, the safety of the public and justice for the victims."

Taking the podium at the National Action Network's headquarters in Harlem on Saturday, Bragg said there had been "some misunderstandings" following the memo's release.

"We know that our first civil right is to walk safely to our corner store," Bragg said. "We also know that safety has got to be based in our community and fairness, and cannot be driven solely by incarceration."

"To all my partners in law enforcement, let me be clear about another thing: If you are assaulted, that is a serious matter and a crime, and that would be prosecuted as such in the county of New York," the new district attorney added.

Bragg said the key to stopping non-violent crimes is providing communities in need with resources, from mental health to rehabilitation.

"We were specific. We said we were going to marry fairness and safety," he said. "We laid out a specific plan. We put it in print."
Bragg's words resonated with many audience members at NAN.

"Low-level crime... I'm not gonna say, 'Slap me on the wrist,'" NAN member Al Gentry said. "But give me a program or other alternative to make sure you're OK."

Another NAN member, Althea Aaron, said she agreed with Bragg and liked his approach.

"We need people who are going to stand up for the members of the community when the members of the community are victims and at the same time, prosecute those who are criminal," Aaron said.

Bragg's office also released a statement in response to Sewell's email, saying he wanted to have discussions with members of the NYPD about working together to deliver safety and justice for all.