In an effort to enhance community involvement in policing and provide clarity on safety procedures, the Vancouver Police Department is set to host a Community Policing Information Session. This session is tasked with familiarizing locals with the functions of Neighborhood Police Officers, explaining how to report crimes effectively, and showcasing ways for the community to engage proactively with local law enforcement for a safer neighborhood. Interested parties are requested to RSVP in advance to support the organization's preparations for the event.

The informational gathering is scheduled for January 15, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will take place at the Firstenburg Center Community Room, located at 700 NE 136th Ave. in Vancouver. Unlike previous initiatives referred to as Community Engagement Sessions, which are spearheaded by the Chief’s Diversity Advisory Team and the Office of the Chief, this specific session aims to zero in on the day-to-day public safety engagement between citizens, and their local police, force.

According to the City of Vancouver's official announcement, there has been some confusion due to a prior event being labelled as a Community Engagement Session. It should be noted that the forthcoming Community Policing Information Session is distinct, focusing primarily on operational aspects of neighborhood safety and crime prevention tactics.

The next Community Engagement Session, which offers a broader platform for discussing diversity and inclusivity within the context of policing, is set to occur later in the spring. Citizens looking forward to that broader dialogue – misplaced as a result of naming ambiguities, should mark their calendars for the date to be announced. The Vancouver Police Department extends its apologies for any confusion caused by the overlapping terminology and assures that each session has its own unique objectives and content designed to foster community collaboration and understanding.