RICHLAND -- Crime in the Tri-Cities is down this year, but local police officers have a lot of work to do to keep it that way.

The police chiefs from Kennewick, Richland and Pasco spoke to community members about the area's biggest law enforcement challenges.

They say stopping gang and drug activity is their top priority.

Pasco Police Chief, Dennis Austin, says there are nearly 400 documented gang members in the Tri-Cities.

He says his officers are doing everything they can to get them out of the area of out of gangs.

"A very small population of gang members create probably 60% of the crimes being committed here, so we're really focusing on them. They're gonna be under a microscope" said Austin.

Richland Police Chief, Tony Corsi, also named child pornography as a growing problem.

The chiefs say families can help stop local crimes by getting their kids involved in early education and community outreach programs.