COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Parks, church parking lots, and neighborhood streets across Columbus lit up with sirens and smiles. National Night Out 2025 brought law enforcement and residents together for an evening of connection.
“This is important because not only does it build relationships,” Sgt. Angela Florence said, “Statistics show that neighborhoods HOA’s and different areas of the community who have a strong relationship with law enforcement. Crime is decreased because they feel comfortable reporting things and talking about things and discussing issues in their area.”
The goal of the event was simple: break down barriers. Officers made 36 all over the city, listening to residents, sharing stories, and building trust one handshake at a time.
For first-time attendee Inez Comer-Stephens, that time spent made all the difference. “It’s very nice to have them come in and everybody gets to see them in another aspect, with their family on a friendly basis and not a negative basis, like they get most of the time.” Stephens says, “People don’t understand the job is very dangerous. It’s an honor to see, I really enjoyed talking to them. I learned about different areas of the police department that they work in that I didn’t know.”
Columbus police say this event is about more than one night. It’s about laying the foundation for safer streets and stronger relationships…