The Syracuse Police Department hosted its annual National Night Out event promoting police partnerships with the community of Central New York. This campaign builds a foundation of trust between law enforcement and children.
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Jailah Pettis: Music, dancing, food, and fellowship filled Kirk Park Tuesday evening.
Pettis: The Syracuse Police Department hosted “National Night Out”.
Pettis: National Night Out is an event promoting community-building and trust with law enforcement.
Pettis: Syracuse Police Department and Community Relations Officer, Marlena Jackson says it’s important to bridge the gap.
Marlena Jackson: “I’ve had some kids that were iffy about police officers and we bridged that gap. The same with individuals in the community too and we bridged that gap too as well. My missions accomplished today.”
Pettis: Jackson believes this year allowed for rapport with vendors and the community.
Pettis: Grandmother Julia Harris agrees that this event is important especially for her four-year-old grandson.
Julia Harris: “We need functions like this to bring the community together, parents, and the children.”
Pettis: Syracuse Police Department and other police agencies across Central New York attended in efforts of making Syracuse safer.
Pettis: One relationship at a time.
Pettis: In Syracuse, Jailah Pettis, N-C-C News.
Syracuse, N.Y.(NCC News) — On Tuesday August 8, Syracuse Police Department hosted its annual “National Night Out” campaign at Kirk Park. This event occurs each year in efforts of building a solid foundation of trust between law enforcement and the people of Syracuse. Police officers across Central New York interacted with children and parents who were in attendance. The atmosphere was filled with music, dancing, laughter, and most importantly positivity.
Syracuse Police Department and Community Relations Officer, Marlena Jackson emphasized in her four years of putting together this event; Tuesday evening marked a huge turnout. One thing that Jackson highlighted is how bridging the gap between police and the community are crucial. Jackson states, “Usually when we respond to calls it is usually something that is negative. It is all positive today. ” Everyone in attendance were all smiles and enjoying every moment.
Officers agreed that children and individuals feel safer interacting with law enforcement when they are bonding through community events. This helps them see officers in a different light.
One grandparent expressed how National Night Out gives children something to do while they are out of school for the summer. In addition, she explained that despite everything that is currently going on in Syracuse; there is a need for functions to bring everyone in the community together.
Four-year-old Noah Hoffman was overjoyed with the bouncy houses and games that were available. His favorite part of the night was hanging out with police officers, getting his face painted, and eating food from local vendors in the area.