Apart from tackling the major issues of drugs, break-ins and street violence, the police are now concentrating on providing open dialogue between themselves and the community.

As part of this process senior officers are now hosting a series of forums to help engage the public.

The first such meeting was held last week and was chaired by the local area commander Superintendent Bob Noble.

While the gathering was reasonably well attended far more support is needed.

Really, it's of little use people complaining about policing issues when they aren't prepared to do anything about it.

Here is the perfect opportunity.

The forums are open to everyone and such issues as domestic violence, licensing, youth problems and crime prevention are discussed.

In fact, the police are on hand to listen to any concerns community members may have.

They will take questions without notice and do their level best to answer them.

To be fair, they can't do much more than that.

Wagga crime manager Inspector Darren Cloake acknowledges some people can find it confronting to go to the police station so he believes these gatherings provide a comfortable alternative.

Indeed, the police need feedback if they are to do their job effectively.

Judging by these forums they are prepared to listen and local people should take advantage of that.

If not, there is little point in holding them.

If the police receive information then they are in a position to target problem areas.

No, they can't be on every street corner, but it is up to all of us as a community to support them in any way we can.

Attending their forums would be an ideal place to start.