National Night Out Bridges the Gap Between Police and Communities

Incidents like the recent shooting of Sonya Massey in Springfield, Illinois, have left many Americans feeling less confident in local police. In recent years, tragedies like the one with Massey, George Floyd, and Eric Garner have divided police from the people they serve. 

But one decades-old movement aims to bridge that gap across the US. 

National Night Out is a movement across the US hosted by communities and local law enforcement that gives officers, families, and neighbors a chance to connect. While the specifics may differ from town to town, most areas host BBQs, festivals, street fairs, cookouts, and other family-friendly events. 

Since 1984, the first Tuesday in August has been known as National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. The first NNO involved over 2.5 million people from over 400 communities in 23 states. This year marks the 40th anniversary and will be celebrated in over 17,000 communities. 

This year, look for events on August 6 in your area. National Night Out's website has a map, options for future registration, and even a store for fun gifts and prizes. (There's even an NNO mascot costume!)

A 2022 Pew Research poll found that 57% of Americans know only some or none of their neighbors. But these connections with the community aren't just a good excuse to grill hot dogs and celebrate, they can actually make neighborhoods safer. 

A well-connected neighborhood means help is close by from a variety of resources. Whether it's the gardener across the street or the teacher next door, getting to know your neighbors can make your area better prepared for tragedies like natural disasters. When neighbors actually talk, they're more likely to watch out for each other when they leave town or when there's suspicious activity in the area. 

Using these connections and getting involved with the community works similarly for police. Despite a significant drop in public confidence in law enforcement, events like National Night Out allow civilians and police to connect with each other as neighbors to strengthen trust. 

Check with your local police department to learn more about National Night Out and how you can help connect your community. 

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