By John Burton
RED BANK- Borough police will be conducting a public forum on crime and quality of life issues at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12 in the borough council chambers, in the Municipal Complex, 90 Monmouth St.
The forum is being held following a Dec. 23 similar forum conducted by local officials to inform residents about some recent disturbing criminal events on the borough’s west side and officials’ and law enforcement’s initiatives being undertaken to address the public concerns.
Following the Dec. 23 meeting, many in attendance had expressed a desire to get more information about what they could do to assist police efforts to make the community safer, according to a borough-released statement, which precipitated this second meeting.
Police and officials are expected to discuss the possibility of instituting a Neighborhood Watch Program as well other programs.
In recent months, west side residential neighborhoods have had a spate of incidents, including shootings and armed robberies, sparking concern among community residents. Police Chief Darren McConnell has stated that much of the intelligence authorities have received must remain confidential and the investigations are ongoing and the borough department has increased patrols in the area, according to the statement.
The chief is reminding residents to be alert to suspicious behavior in their neighborhoods and report it to police. Information can be reported anonymously by calling the department’s detective bureau at 732-530-2719 or the department’s tip line at 732-450-9704.
