Police Chief Darren McConnell and Mayor Pasquale Menna at a community meeting on the recent shootings last month. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

Responding to requests for increased community engagement, in the aftermath of recent shootings on the West Side, the Red Bank police department has scheduled an open forum for next week.

Here’s the announcement, sent out by borough hall Monday:

The Borough of Red Bank Police Department will be hosting a forum on crime in the community, quality of life issues, and law enforcement initiatives that are being undertaken.

Following recent events in the Borough, officials hosted a meeting with concerned residents on December 23rd and many expressed a desire to receive information on how they can better help the police department and aid in making their community safer.  As a result, there will be a meeting at 7pm on Monday, January 12, 2015, in the Council Chambers at the Red Bank Municipal Building, 90 Monmouth Street for anyone interested in receiving such information.  We will also be exploring the possibility of instituting a Neighborhood Watch Program.

A series of  incidents on the west side of the Borough remain under investigation and Police Chief Darren McConnell has stated that much of the intelligence that has been gathered must remain confidential so as not to hamper the investigation.   He said the investigation is ongoing and patrols have been increased in the area.  He asked residents to be alert to suspicious activity in their neighborhoods and to report any such activity immediately.  Anyone wishing to provide information about this or any other criminal activity can do so anonymously through the Police Department’s TIP LINE (732)450-9704 or by contacting the Red Bank Detective Bureau at (732) 530-2719.