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CONWAY – With concerns about crime and safety being prevalent in Northampton County, citizens will now be able to talk directly to law enforcement at upcoming “Community/Citizen Empowerment Meetings.”

These gatherings will be sponsored and led by the Northampton County Committee of Police Chiefs and Sheriff’s Office personnel.

According to a press release from the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, citizens will be provided with a variety of information on what people can do to keep themselves safe and their communities a safer place to live.

“Citizens can express any concerns, learn about starting neighborhood watch programs, learn of ways to combat crime throughout the county, and learn of safety concerns revolving around crime throughout the county,” said the press release.

Representatives of local law enforcement will be present to answer questions and address concerns. Brochures containing information about different aspects of safety will also be distributed.

“These monthly meetings will give law enforcement and our citizens an opportunity to communicate effectively in the knowledge of vital information to combat crime,” the release also stated.

Each meeting will be held in a different municipality. The first meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the Conway Town Hall. All meetings are open to citizens of the town and surrounding areas.

The schedule and locations of future meetings will be announced at a later date.

Sheriff Jack Smith first mentioned the plan for these community meetings back in December when the Northampton Board of Commissioners hosted their first “public safety listening session.” He credited Sheriff’s Captain Patrick Jacobs with coordinating the upcoming meetings, and said the goal was to create better conversations between law enforcement and the community.