A wide variety of topics were on the table as local leaders met with members of the Lafayette police department Monday afternoon in a special meeting.

About 30 people filled the third story room at the police department. Including local council members, group leaders, and police officers who all joined together around a table, asking questions and trading ideas with one another.

“The community had the chance to tell us the problems and the problems they had are legitimate problems.” Said Chief Thomas

The purpose of Monday night’s meeting was to give members of the community a chance to have their voice heard, by the police department, face to face.

“This happened to be the Northside of Lafayette that we met with today. We intend to do the same thing with the Southside of Lafayette,” said Chief Thomas

The community outreach was first started under former Police Chief Jim Craft. Current Chief Reggie Thomas says the police force needs the community.

“Without the community we can’t solve any cases, we can’t do anything. So because we have the community working with us and we are working with them anything is possible. So I think the Lafayette Police Department became a better police department today.”

A reoccurring topic in the meeting, ending youth violence.

Community leader Marcus Simmons says he wants to teach troubled kids not all cops are bad cops.

“I know a lot of people feel this way, but it seems like at some point they get discouraged and they give up the fight, and I don’t intend to do that at all.”

Chief Thomas says each meeting will allow officers the ability to know what’s happening in the community so they can work with the leaders to create solutions.

The next meeting is set for April 11.