Recent neighborhood meetings led by the St. Louis Park Police Department unite students and neighbors to discuss issues around their homes and the community.

Weekly neighborhood meetings last an hour and discuss issues concerning every one of Park’s 35 neighborhoods.

Police Chief John Luse said the police department will voice its plans, such as new emergency procedures and technology, as well as respond to community members questions about issues.

“Our goal of these neighborhood meetings is to connect more with the community while there is not a large issue going on,” Luse said. “We want to use this time to address our mission, ideas and new procedures, so we can continue to improve the quality of life in Park.”

Sophomore Manny Hill said he sees these meetings as a good way for students to get involved with city safety and the police department.

“I would go to these meetings to find out more about what they are all about, but I think it would be interesting how students could be involved in city safety,” Hill said.

According to Luse, neighborhood associations are the most important issue the department is trying to promote. Where residents are in charge of planning events and discussing issues occurring around the neighborhood.

“This is a great opportunity also for teenage students to take a role in the community, and serve as a line of defense for their neighborhoods,” Luse said.

Officer Erin Nordrum said despite the many benefits of organizing neighborhoods, the main reason for doing so is to increase safety, which she said comes from adults as well as students.

“We want neighbors to help others out if they suspect suspicious activity, whether they are parents or they are children,” Nordrum said.