Naperville police start 'Chat with the Chief'

Anyone who wants to have a talk with Naperville police Chief Robert Marshall can come out to the department's first "Chat with the Chief" this month and do just that.

Scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, in meeting rooms A and B at the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive, the event is designed as an informal meet-and-greet with Naperville's top cop.

Marshall said the chat, which is intended to become a quarterly occurrence, won't come with a presentation or an agenda.

"The whole purpose is for us to get out into the community and listen," said Marshall, Naperville's chief since 2012, said in a news release. "Especially in light of what's transpired in recent months between law enforcement and the public throughout our country, I wanted to make myself and other department decision-makers available to our community to answer any and all questions they may have about the department, our policies, our values or any other topic."

"Chat with the Chief" is open to anyone who wants to stop by anytime during the two-hour window. Refreshments will be served. Later chats will be scheduled at various locations throughout Naperville.

Marshall said the events are one more way to be proactive in fostering a positive police/community relationship and preserving the city's reputation as a safe place.