Marion police hopeful regular meetings can build rapport with residents

MARION - Marion police are looking to the local schools as a place for community members to gather and talk about their neighborhoods.  

By making those conversations less "crime focused" and hosting them at Marion City Schools, officials hope to bring more people to the table. 

There are school buildings located in each of the four patrol districts in the city, in what Marion police Lt. B.J. Gruber described as a natural fit. 

He said the conversations —which started this month— are a way for residents to discuss how to improve the quality of live in their neighborhoods. 

"We are taking a 'build it and they will come' approach," the lieutenant added. 

It is similar to the block-watch concept that emerged in the 90s when groups were formed to discuss local crime and other issues in the community. 

Neighbors concerned by a string of burglaries and other crimes eagerly formed the watches with the help of the Marion Police Department, hosting them at homes and churches.

However, after things settle down, some groups fade away or have trouble maintaining attendance, said Gruber. 

There are still groups in the city that meet regularly and some neighborhoods have even formed Facebook groups.

But the challenge still remains of getting more people engaged and willing to show up to those meetings long after a particular problem is solved.

By having a set meeting place and time, officials hope that more residents will join and, in-turn, direct the conversation. 

The conversations are geared towards residents talking about general concerns and to share ideas for positive change at venues most of them are already familiar with, officials said.  

However, Gruber said it is not meant for individual problems that may be better handled in a one-on-one environment.

He said it is an opportunity for residents to mingle with members of city council as well as school officials.

The meetings also include updates on crime trends that are talking place in those specific areas. 

"We have created them in each area that we serve," Gruber said. 

The conversations started last week with one being held at Taft Elementary School in Fairpark and another at Hayes Elementary School on Silver Street. 

They resumed on Tuesday evening with two more being hosted at McKinley Elementary School on Chatfield Road at 5:30 p.m. and Grant Middle School on Presidential Drive at 6:45 p.m. 

Jennifer Lawson, the assistant superintendent for Marion City Schools, said right now the focus is more on what those meetings should include as they move forward.  

 "We want to allow residents to drive the conversation as we move along and not for us to set the agenda." she said. 

Though turnout was low at the first two meetings, officials are hopeful it will generate buzz overtime as the next round of conversations are scheduled for January.

Both Gruber and Lawson said meetings will be held on quarterly basis and plan on releasing more info on dates and times as they get closer to the new year. 

HKarim@nncogannett.com

740-375-5154

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