The direction of community policing in Petersburg will be in the hands of the community next month.

The city Police Department is hosting an all-day workshop, Police and Community Together, for residents of the city's 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th wards.

"Some of the things that come up, we might be able to help with right away because of our good communication with other agencies in the area," said Esther Hyatt, spokeswoman for the department. She mentioned possible quick resolution of such issues as overgrown bushes and other vegetation problems.

"It's a problem-solving workshop," she said.

A group of students from Virginia Commonwealth University will be on hand to record the proceedings.

The workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12 at the Tabernacle Community Life Center at 444 Halifax St. The event is free and open to the public, and breakfast and lunch are included.

The deadline to register has been changed to Wednesday. For more information or to register, call (804) 863-2726.