Columbus officials today begin a series of community meetings to hear public input about policing.
The police division says tonight's meeting takes place from 6 to 8 at the First Church of God on Refugee Road.
The division says Police Chief Kim Jacobs will consider information from the community meetings in drafting recommendations aimed at reviewing policies and procedures -- and enhancing training, education and outreach. The remaining four Columbus community forums also take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and are scheduled next month:
· March 2nd @ Briggs High School, 2555 Briggs Road
· March 5th @ Linden McKinley High School, 1320 Duxberry Avenue
· March 9th @ East High School, 1500 East Broad Street
· March 12th @ Crossroads Baptist Church, 5077 Cleveland Avenue
Meanwhile, the state panel exploring the relationship between police officers and the communities they serve holds a public forum in northwest Ohio this week. Governor John Kasich formed the 24-person committee of city council members, religious leaders and law enforcement officials after a several police-involved shootings in Ohio and across the country. The task force holds a public discussion on the issue Thursday in Toledo.