City officials host community learning event

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The city of Hattiesburg and local law enforcement agencies hosted a "lunch and learn" event at the Hattiesburg Fire Station No. 1 Tuesday afternoon.

Citizens talked to authorities about main concerns in surrounding communities in honor of "Night Out Against Crime" week.

Organizer Maxine Coleman said, "The police department cannot be everywhere, cannot see everything so they need the citizens to partner with them."

Officers and deputies were able to explain their role in the community to help residents understand their role better.

Coleman added, "This is a vehicle that we use, to create those relationships, so they are comfortable with the law officers and city personnel."

Officials hope this event bridged the gap between citizens and local law enforcement agencies.