The NYPD announced a new Build the Block program Tuesday in an effort to strengthen ties between officers and the community to combat crime.

Commissioner James O'Neill visited the 44th Precinct to announce the initiative.

Fifty-two of the city's police sectors will host more than 160 safety meetings between residents and local officers.

"There is much more we're gonna do, and we have to do it together," the commissioner says. "We need your help to make this work."

The program also includes a $1 million ad campaign to raise awareness about the meetings, which began last week. So far, police say about 20 to 50 concerned residents have attended each of the forums.

The new meetings will be held in addition to the normal community council meetings of each neighborhood.