On Tuesday, August 5th, all across the country, police and the communities they serve will get the chance to meet and interact in family-friendly events to help build understanding and trust, along with raising awareness of crime prevention efforts for this year’s National Night Out.
These gatherings provide an opportunity for police and the community to interact in a non-confrontational environment, contrasting with more tense situations that can arise between law enforcement and the public.
Captain Cathy Williams with the Grand Rapids Police Department explained that these events also serve as teaching opportunities. “At each one of these events, there’s going to be opportunities for city departments to educate the neighborhoods in the communities about how to not be a victim. So whether that’s keeping your children safe or keeping your home safe, keeping your pet safe, how to drive safely on the roads, there’s going to be resources for all those different topics, and that could only benefit our community,” she said…