River Forest residents can hear directly from Police Chief James Greenwood and ask questions about public safety at the village's quarterly Community Crime Prevention Meeting on Wednesday, July 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the first-floor Community Room at Village Hall, 400 Park Ave.

The free meeting features seven speakers covering traffic safety, bicycle education, and animal services. A Zoom option is available for those who can't attend in person.

What's on the agenda

Greenwood, who took over as chief in May 2025 after a long career with the department, will open with remarks on community policing. Deputy Chief Dave Bochenek of the River Forest Fire Department follows with a presentation on Community Connect, a secure online platform that lets residents voluntarily share household information with first responders, including medical needs, pets, and emergency contacts.

Jeremy Venable Jr. of Be Crash Free, a traffic safety education organization with more than 30 years of experience, will speak from 6:15 to 6:30 p.m. Charlie Saxe, a League Cycling Instructor certified by the League of American Bicyclists, presents on the Ride Illinois program, which teaches bicyclists and motorists how to share the road safely.

Renee Harlor, executive director of the Animal Care League, speaks from 6:45 to 7 p.m. The Oak Park-based nonprofit has served the community since 1973 and acts as the official stray and lost animal holding facility for River Forest, Oak Park, Forest Park, North Riverside, and Northlake.

Crime Prevention Officer Megan Drake will cover RFPD services and upcoming events, followed by Detective Sergeant Justin Labriola presenting crime trends and statistics.

Why it matters

According to Chief Greenwood's April 2026 monthly report, year-to-date Group A offenses in River Forest were up 7 percent compared to the same period in 2025, with 92 incidents reported through April versus 86 the year before. Group B offenses rose more sharply, up 97 percent year-to-date with 81 incidents versus 41 in 2025.

Those numbers give residents reason to show up and ask questions.

How to attend

The Village of River Forest promoted the meeting on its official Facebook page on Monday, July 20, inviting residents to attend in person or join remotely. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85287553796.

The open Q&A runs from 7:15 to 7:30 p.m., with all seven panelists available to take questions.