Rock Island police will take full advantage of their new station's community room. Starting tonight, the department's Community Crime Prevention Partnership will hold monthly meetings for residents and business owners to learn about the police and crime trends, and for them to ask questions and give feedback.

Chief Jeff Ven Huizen says the Rock Island Police Department has a long history of community policing. But there's always room for improvement, and ongoing communication is essential.
Each month, Rock Island officers will present information about a different topic. Tonight's topic is the structure of the police department.
The community meetings will give Rock Island police a forum to talk about trends and crime statistics. And occasionally maps will be available to show where crimes are happening. Chief VenHuizen says that will help people know what to look for and what should be reported.
The first Rock Island Police Department community meeting will be held tonight at six at the police station, 1212 5th Avenue.