Community policing is still the hot topic when it comes to discussing the search for Albany's next police chief. People got another chance to speak out during an open forum last night. Solomon Syed reports.

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The community police advisory committee hosted a forum at the Albany Housing Authority hoping to open dialogue with the public on the role they want the police to play in their communities.

Several dozen residents offered their suggestions, ranging from more visible patrols to increased neighborhood watch programs, but while hearing from the public was the goal of the meeting, members of Albany's common council want the concerns expressed brought up during the next round of interviews for police chief finalists.

"The biggest question is do you have a commitment to community policing?” said Anton Konev, Albany Common Council.

"That has to be paramount, that has to be the cornerstone of it. A lot of community members have asked for the beat cops to come back and that has to be the pillar,” said Lester Freeman, Albany Common Council.

The police chief search committee will interview the remaining six candidates on March 22nd and 23rd before submitting their choice to Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings.