A little more than a year ago, the Cleveland Heights Police Department launched the "Meet Your Police" program to give residents an opportunity to talk to police officials in person.

Every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., they're there in the lower level of City Hall, waiting to talk to residents. And though attendance is sometimes sparse, Police Chief Jeffrey Robertson wants to continue offering the program weekly.

"There will be nights where we have two to three people show up and sometimes 10 different residents," Robertson said. "There have been suggestions that we go to once a month or twice a month, and I’ve said no — we’re going to keep doing it every week. I like that people have an opportunity to come in and talk to us about an issue or their concerns."

People ask about everything from noisy dogs to kids causing trouble to vacant housing issues, Robertson said.

"...And we’re able to direct them and give them an answer. It’s a good way to handle the minor issues that people have in the city. It’s a good way for people to get to know their police."

Robertson said he may try different approaches increase attendance, such as reaching out to the various neighborhood associations to bring them in and also offering to meet them outside of City Hall. And at this Thursday's meeting, Vinn, a K-9 who joined the force in the fall, will be there.

"A lot of people, especially in the summertime, they're not going to come to City Hall. They're doing family things ... But we’re going to keep offering it," Robertson said. "I still really like the program, and we get different people coming in every week."