After a busy summer hiatus, the Monument Police Department is back to meeting with residents in an informal setting. Several officers joined community members this week at Wesley Owens in Monument to answer questions, hear concerns and build relationships.

The department’s return to its quarterly gatherings follows a successful summer of outreach. On June 29, officers hosted “Cops and Bobbers” at Monument Lake, a community fishing event that drew families and children.

At Wesley Owens, officers rotated in and out of the meeting to offer multiple perspectives on public safety and other issues affecting the town. Residents filled a long table to share their thoughts with Halloween safety emerging as a recurring topic.

In addition to serious discussion, the meeting provided a chance for neighbors to see police cruisers up close, chat with officers and even swap football talk — one conversation ended with a hearty, “go Browns.”

Police Chief Patrick Regan said the department tries to hold at least one such gathering each quarter to keep lines of communication open.

“It’s important to us that our residents know us and that we know them,” he said.

These open forums are one reason the Monument Police Department is widely respected in the community.

The Tribune will share updates on future engagement events as they are announced.