The Stamford Police Department is hoping to begin the Value Based Initiative, a program which partners law enforcement with faith-based groups and leaders in order to help communities that are considered under-served.

Stamford police would like to bring the program to the city to help control violence and crime in some communities, specifically targeting youth and gang-related violence.

Police departments have seen great success with the Value Based Initiative across the country and Stamford police hope local religious leaders will help it develop strong community ties with minority groups. Stamford Police Lt. Sean Cooney says his department still has a significant amount work to do in getting the program started.

The department will hold a meeting Sept. 24 at police headquarters at 4 p.m. in order to discuss bringing this project to Stamford.

"This is where we walk the walk,? Cooney says. ?Obviously, this is a two-way street. We need people to join us in this effort. We've received over two dozen positive R.S.V.P.s to the meeting. We're hoping for more.?