Citizens who understand how the police department works are more likely to cooperate effectively with officers and not as apt to become frustrated with the process, Police Chief Joseph Daughtry believes.

That’s the primary purpose of a series of meetings Daughtry hopes to host with the public over the next few months in all six wards, starting with Ward 2 at 6 p.m. Monday in East Columbus Gym.

Daughtry told The Dispatch these meetings are “not town halls” but informational sessions meant to explain general police operations and how citizens can best help the department fight crime.

That includes basics like when to call 911, what information to provide the dispatcher, how officer responses work and what happens after an officer makes a report.

“A lot of people just don’t understand,” Daughtry said. “We’ll explain all that.”

He also hopes to assist anyone interested in starting neighborhood watch groups.

Monday’s meeting will last about an hour and will focus on Ward 2, Daughtry said, though anyone is welcome. Both Daughtry and other officers will stay “as long as necessary” afterward to speak one-on-one with citizens who have questions or concerns.

Vice Mayor Joseph Mickens, who represents Ward 2 on the city council, said he will stick around to meet with constituents, too.

“I want the people to come out and voice their opinion,” Mickens said. “I need to hear how they feel and what they think we should do. … to make this a safer environment.”

In light of recent crime in the city, particularly in his ward, Mickens hopes Monday’s meeting helps establish better communication between police and citizens.

“I really don’t think they have a real concept of what’s really going on in the ward, how valuable it is for them to have communication with the chief and with some policemen in the city,” he said. “There have been a lot of shootings out here. People are looking at these shootings, and some of them, they know who done it, and they’re not communicating.”

Future meeting dates and locations aren’t set, Daughtry said, though he hopes to cover every ward over the next three months, with a meeting every two weeks.

Zack Plair is the managing editor for The Dispatch.