A public outreach program begun by federal mandate has become such a useful tool to local police that, with the mandate lifted, the meetings will continue.

For four years, the East Haven Police Department (EHPD) has operated under an agreement with the Connecticut Department of Justice (DOJ) after an investigation on discrimination and civil rights violations. Part of the settlement agreement included requirements for community engagement.

The four-year term of the agreement—December 2012 to December 2016 recently ended and, while the terms of the agreement have ended, the EHPD has no plans in stopping the quarterly community meetings.

“These started as something we had to do, but it has ballooned and we like doing them,” said EHPD Chief Ed Lennon. “We get some good feedback and they work for us.”

The next community meeting is Thursday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hagaman Memorial Library, 227 Main Street, downstairs in the DeMayo Room. The meetings are held in different locations each quarter.

“It’s a great thing because it allows people to sit down and talk about issues going on, especially in their own neighborhoods or community,” said Lennon. “With other public meetings, the issues may be a small part of the agenda, but here, the community issues are the entire agenda. [We meet] to address whatever problems or concerns residents have. We hold them in different spots every time so we get different people.”

Lennon noted that the turnout for the meetings has varied, but that residents have seemed receptive. Over the years, residents have voiced concerns on a variety of issues, including speeding, noise issues, teenager loitering, ATVs, parking, and more.

“We’re dealing with quality of life issues and a lot of them depend on the season,” said Lennon. “Sometimes I go to the meetings, sometimes Deputy Chief James Naccarato attends, but some issues are better served by a lieutenant or sergeant.”

Lieutenant David Emmerman oversees and coordinates the community meetings. At the beginning of each meeting, he reviews what was discussed at the previous meetings and any actions that were taken to combat those issues. The meeting is then opened to the community and residents can share concerns, ask questions, or voice suggestions on how the EHPD can better serve the community.

Lennon stated that one of the goals of the EHPD is to be accessible to members of the community. His officers do a lot of “community policing,” which encourages officers to get out of the car and interact with residents. Residents can also call or stop in to the EHPD.

“At the meetings, when people call, or if someone walks in, we figure out the issue, who can best address that problem, and put them in touch,” said Lennon. “Everyone can engage in the conversation.”