Sitting across from one another, a pleasant conversation and a hot meal will be the reason for the gathering between Peekskill residents and police officers. On Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Peekskill Senior Citizen Center, on Nelson Avenue, the Dine and Dialogue initiative will take place. The community program seeks to break down distance, put a face and voice to the uniform, listen to residents’ concerns before they turn into conflict, and remind —on both sides of the table— that harmonious living is built not only in moments of emergency but also in everyday interactions.
The Peekskill Police Department will host the evening. The event will also feature participation from organizations working at the intersection of civil rights, mental health, and community support, including Peekskill Community Hub, Peekskill NAACP, the Civilian Complaint Review Board, the Northern Westchester Mobile Crisis Response Team, and the Human Rights Commission.
The gathering, which begins at 6 p.m, is free and open to the public. However, prior registration is required, as seating is limited. Organizers aim for dialogue between authorities and residents to be direct, personal, and without the protocol of a formal event. The deadline to confirm attendance is Feb. 20, and registration must be completed through the link provided by the organizers.
During the dinner, which will not include lengthy speeches or formal event protocols, officers, community leaders, and residents will share questions, concerns, and proposals in a relaxed environment. Dine and Dialogue is one of the first community events the police will host in 2026 and is part of their ongoing calendar to maintain closeness with residents.
In recent years, the Peekskill Police Department has participated in multiple community outreach activities in various formats, ranging from Coffee with Cops gatherings to ongoing participation in National Night Out, an annual event that brings together families, organizations, and emergency services in public spaces throughout the city. The department has also collaborated on initiatives related to safety and prevention, such as voluntary gun buyback events and community education programs.
For more information about Dine and Dialogue, logistical details, or to confirm attendance, interested individuals may contact the Peekskill Police Department directly through their official channels, or reach out to any of the collaborating community organizations.
