WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says a decision by a New York grand jury not to indict a white police officer in the alleged chokehold death of an unarmed black man underscores the need to strengthen the trust and accountability between communities and law enforcement.

Obama says he discussed the grand jury's decision Wednesday with Attorney General Eric Holder. While not commenting on the decision specifically, he said there are "too many instances where people just do not have confidence that folks are being treated fairly."

Obama says police have to deal with crime every day, but says they can do their jobs better if people have confidence in the law enforcement system.