HPD talks importance of community outreach

The Kiwanis Club of Hopkinsville got a visit from the Hopkinsville Police Department at Thursday’s meeting and learned about the department’s efforts in community outreach.

Newly appointed Public Information Officer Mike Atkins told the group about the importance of community outreach in the police department. He says efforts such as Cookout with Cops, REZ meetings and events with the Boys and Girls Club helps develop trust between officers and the community.

He says they want people to know they can have transparent, honest conversations with their police department.

Atkins says good community outreach helps not only build that trust, but can also lead to a decrease in crime—with the department and citizens working together to make the city safer. HPD’s Christmas Morning Miracle program, which provides toys to children in need on the community on Christmas Day, is gearing up and donations of toys can be made to the department at 101 North Main Street.