Modesto police inviting residents to share concerns at meetings

The Modesto Police Department is inviting residents to attend an upcoming series of town hall meetings to give officials feedback on public safety issues.

Department officials say the meetings are intended to create an open dialogue about what residents think should be the top priorities for police. There also will be information available at the meetings on how residents can strengthen their neighborhoods or start neighborhood watch programs.

Police officials said these town hall meetings hopefully will help residents build working relationships with officers patrolling in their neighborhoods. The department held similar town hall meetings last year.

Residents at the meetings are encouraged to share their concerns and suggestions, and ask questions of police Chief Galen Carroll; Capts. Joel Broumas, Rick Armendariz, Andy Schlenker and David Van Diemen; as well as police lieutenants from each area of the city and other police staffers.

The town hall meetings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. The dates and locations:

▪ April 21 at Modesto Church of the Brethren, 2301 Woodland Ave., for residents of the southwest area

▪ April 24 at St. Joseph’s Church, 1813 Oakdale Road, for residents of the northeast area

▪ May 18 at Calvary Baptist Church, 1732 Miller Ave., for residents of the southeast area

▪ May 21 at Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Road, for residents of the northwest area

This story was originally published April 8, 2015 at 1:20 PM with the headline "Modesto police inviting residents to share concerns at meetings."