Red Bank Police Holding Community Forum

Strong support from Red Bank residents who want to help make the Borough safer in the wake of recent shootings, has prompted the Police Department to hold a second community forum Monday at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Complex on Monmouth Street.

Red Bank Police Chief Darren McConnell said he's considering holding the meetings quarterly following interest from residents at a December 23 forum to address the series of incidents, including a shooting on West Sunset Avenue on November 6 that critically injured two people and another the following day in which a car was riddled with bullets.

"We're looking for community cooperation in solving some of the crimes and preventing future crimes just by having trust built between the police department and the community," said McConnell.

McConnell said some of the crimes are difficult to solve without the cooperation of the community at-large, adding residents are encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity as soon as possible.

"It might be the small lead that we need to start something bigger in one of our investigations or possibly even to prevent a crime before it happens," he said.

McConnell said they're also exploring re-forming a Neighborhood Watch Program.

"We had one years ago and it kind of faded due to a lack of participation, but even if it's not an organized Neighborhood Watch, at least it's some sort of dialogue between the police department and the community," added McConnell.

Although Monday night's forum is not in response to any of the recent backlash against police and protests happening nationwide, McConnell acknowledged it is a good time to make sure the police department has good ties to the community and good dialogue with the community.