Law enforcement personnel in parts of Riverside County will take a break from busting criminals next week to get to know the people they serve, giving residents a personalized feel for policing, during National Night Out events.
Mixers teeming with free food, public safety displays and information about improving neighborhood security are planned in multiple venues Tuesday as part of the annual nationwide “Night Out” campaign.
In Murrieta, the police department will host a meet-and-greet in Town Square Park, beginning at 5 p.m.
“There will be engaging activities and interactive displays that showcase the impressive capabilities of the Murrieta Police Department,” according to an agency statement. “Attendees of all ages will have the unique chance to see the SWAT team and their cutting-edge equipment, the Traffic Team’s specialized resources … and the skilled police K9s.”
In Hemet, activities will get underway at 6 p.m. Tuesday, when police officers will showcase their gear and interact with residents near the Amtrak station in the 200 block of North Harvard Street. A martial arts demonstration, drone presentation and a fire department “jaws of life” simulated rescue are planned.
“National Night Out is a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting strong community partnerships, building neighborhood camaraderie and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the public,” according to a Hemet Police Department statement.
The Menifee Police Department will turn its outing Tuesday in Banner Village Park into a benefit for youths in need, distributing 500 new backpacks loaded with school supplies to all attendees under 17 years old. There will additionally be free food and several special unit demonstrations between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
At the same time, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will be hosting a Night Out get-together for Temecula residents at the Promenade Mall, where team displays, kids entertainment and other activities are planned. However, the larger event will bring public safety personnel from throughout the southwest county region to Marna O’Brien Park, 20505 Palomar St., in Wildomar Tuesday. Deputies who serve the communities of Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore and Wildomar are slated to be on hand.
“This free all-ages event is focused on strengthening community ties and promoting safety,” according to a city of Lake Elsinore statement. “Families are invited to connect with local law enforcement and fire agencies while enjoying food, interactive exhibits, music, giveaways, safety demonstrations and an up-close look at emergency vehicles.”
The Banning and Beaumont police departments were slated to hold a joint Night Out event Thursday.
The city of Riverside and other municipal law enforcement agencies are delaying their nights out to October, seeking cooler weather.
“America’s National Night Out Against Crime” was spearheaded by the nonprofit National Association of Town Watch, which organized the first outing in 1984.
Night Out events began with simple gestures, such as residents keeping their porch lights on from dusk to dawn in a demonstration of neighborhood unity and crime-fighting spirit.
Since that time, the National Night Out concept has expanded to include the implementation of voluntary watch programs and face-to-face meetings to improve relations and communication between law enforcement and the community.