Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) -  The Rochester Police Dept. is adding a more visible presence to the Thursdays on First event that begins this week.

The department’s Community Action Team plans to have a tent at the Peace Plaza for the weekly events.

The goal is to have more community engagement, rather than just assigning patrol officers.

Sgt. Jon Turk says the team is planning different events each week to highlight the department’s various functions including K9s, forensic mapping, and the crime scene unit.

Turk says the tent will be staffed with an officer during the entire day of the Thursdays on First events to answer questions and assist with public safety.

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