CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- On Wednesday, Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis took his weekly community “walk and talk” to the Sixth Street and Dice Street neighborhood, where gunshots were reported at the end of March.

Charlottesville Police Department officers spoke to many residents in the area about new safety initiatives.

Jeffrey Fracher, the Vice-Chair of the Police Civilian Oversight Board, joined the group of officers on the walk and talk.

He and Kochis said they've already developed a great relationship since Kochis started in the position just about 12 weeks ago.

"He's out meeting the people, gaining trust, hearing their concerns. This is a dream come true for those of us who care about policing in Charlottesville," Fracher said.

Kochis said these events are important to figure out how the Charlottesville community wants to be involved with the police.

For example, one of his ideas is to have 10 hours of required volunteer time for those who graduate from the Citizen's Police Academy.

Wednesday night is also the first meeting of the Community Action Team, where Kochis and 15 to 20 local stakeholders will discuss more community policing strategies.