BRIGHTON, N.Y. — Police departments are increasing their efforts to make positive connections with the community.

The Brighton Police Department is hosting an open house Tuesday evening so people can meet some of the officers and get a look at what they do. 

Police department open house events are a way to increase community engagement and interact with the officers who are out there keeping the community safe and responding to those emergencies. It's a way to strengthen the community.

Sgt. Julio Montes has been with the Brighton Police Department for 15 years. He says the open house is a chance for residents to come on in, meet the staff and take a guided tour through the police department.

"This is our roll call/briefing room," Sgt. Montes said. "This is where every shift at the beginning of the shift we have our roll call with our officers."

People will be able to visit the booking room — a place we hope you never have to visit again. There's the photo and fingerprint station and even a holding cell area. 

"It makes the job for us a lot easier when we are able to speak on a personal level and not just responding to calls of service," said Montes. "That is the goal. We are human too and we want to have that interaction and it makes our job easier and I am sure it helps the community as well."

Outside the department, there will be different kinds of emergency vehicles to check out, such as police cars, fire trucks and an ambulance. Monroe County sheriff's deputies will also be there.

The Brighton Police Department has about 40 full-time officers who cover around 15 square miles. That's anywhere from 40,000 to upwards of 100,000 people during the business day.  

It's a busy department doing whatever it takes to serve and protect.

The event is taking place Tuesday night from 5-8 p.m. at the Brighton Police Department. It's located at 2300 Elmwood Avenue.

The event is free and open to the public.