Judges and other DC Superior Court officials yesterday met with Southeast residents to explain a new problem-solving approach to criminal justice.

“Community Court,” the new program, calls for judges, defense attorneys, prosecutors and treatment providers to work with residents to achieve the best outcome for victims, defendants and their communities. The Metropolitan Police Department has employed a similar approach called community policing to improve its crime-fighting capabilities.

“The more cooperation between the police and citizens, the better the police can do their jobs,” Chief Judge Rufus G. King III said during the town hall meeting yesterday. “We need community involvement in the courts. Once a person is found to be an offender, what will the solutions be?”