Local law enforcement is more often called in to break up a party rather than host one, but Tuesday night, agencies in the Golden Triangle are flipping the script for National Night Out.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign across the country that seeks to promote better community relationships between law enforcement agencies and those they serve. National Night Out was created in 1984 by founder Matt Peskin and involved 2.5 million people in 23 states in its first year. Neighborhoods typically host block parties, festivals, parades and other events to celebrate on the first Tuesday in August.
Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office will host its community event from 5-8 p.m. in the parking lot of its headquarters on South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, where free food, beverages and gun locks will be offered.
“We’re going to have our drones out, our dogs … they can look at our police cars, and we’ll have a lot of the kids’ stuff here for kids to play on,” said LSCO Lt. Rhonda Sanders.
The event will also feature a resource fair where various local agencies will provide attendees with information about foster care, homelessness and domestic violence, Sanders said.
“Our main goal is to get (people) the information of all the resources that we have here in Lowndes County,” she said. “And of course, (have) people come and meet our sheriff personally.”
The night also serves as a great way for law enforcement to be more transparent with the public and meet more of the community they serve, Sanders said.
“Basically, we just want to build a better rapport with the people in our community and let them know that our sheriff’s department is here for them, and also building trust,” she said.
The Columbus Police Department along with the Columbus Fire Department, public officials and the city’s Public Works Department will host an event at the Columbus Riverwalk from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, CPD Public Information Officer Bryan Moore told The Dispatch.
It will feature music, a kids’ zone with a number of games and free food. There is also a proposed tug of war game that will involve CFR firefighters and CPD officers, Moore said.
Officers from different departments within CPD will also be present to talk with community members about the different roles of each department, Moore said.
“(We’re) hoping we can build that rapport between the city,” Moore said. “Build more on it than we already have.”
Starkville Police Department will be hosting an event from 6- 9 p.m. at the Starkville Sportsplex, featuring facepainting, bouncy houses, hot air balloons and door prizes.
“It’s for everyone to come out and enjoy and have a good time and to build a relationship with us, with law enforcement, in a safe environment, not when it’s an emergency,” SPD Cpl. Kenya Bibbs said.
The event at the sportsplex will also include more than 50 community organizations hosting booths or assisting with the event on Tuesday, SPD Public Information Officer Brandon Lovelady.
Capt. Brett Watson said Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office is planning to participate in National Night Out festivities this year, but the details for Tuesday have not been finalized.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
