National Night Out near me: Event aims to help improve relationships between police, communities they serve
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- For nearly 40 years, communities throughout the U.S. have recognized National Night Out. Cities and towns will host events to improve relationships between police and the neighborhoods they serve.
These aren't just simple events, they are block parties.
The event has unique Philly origins, starting with one man's vision in Lower Merion, where officials say it gives the entire city a chance to better stand up to crime.
Throughout the day, you'll see quite a few streets blocked off and parking regulations will be enforced -- like on the 1700 block of West Montgomery Avenue in North Philadelphia between noon and 8:30 p.m.
RELATED: Thousands attend pre-National Night Out event in Abington Township
According to police, it's all worth it.
National Night Out dates back to 1984. Every year the event draws thousands of people.
It's also a time to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.
"You see that neighborhood working together, you see that community coming together," said Anthony Murphy, executive director for Town Watch Integrated Services.
Murphy gets excited for National Night Out every year. He said he remembers the event in its early days – and was part of the city's first one 40 years ago.
"The managing director was Wilson Goode. He gave this project to an assistant director, John White Sr., who gave it to me," Murphy explained.
Murphy said he's thrilled to have seen the event grow into a national coming together of community and law enforcement.
Last year, CBS News Philadelphia attended several events beginning with Camden, where officers and city leaders look forward to getting to know the communities they serve.
"We'll have a K-9 demonstration," a Camden police officer said. "The state police will have their horses out. We'll have all of our, several different trucks, police vehicles. We'll have a DJ. It will be a fun event."
"We need that conversation, we need that interaction with people to know what's going on. Because, frankly, we don't always know what's going on and our community members are really that best source of information for what's actually going on in our community," added Cpl. Jasmine Reilly, with the Philadelphia Police Department.
Police say it gives their officers a chance to better engage with the communities they serve.
"This is just another day to really highlight positive positiveness in the City of Camden," Mayor Vic Carstarphen said.
In Philadelphia, the events attract thousands. While it's a good time, it's also a time to discuss community policing to help combat gun violence.
Even more than knowing your local officers, Murphy said this is a moment for people to meet their neighbors and to step up and make their own communities safer.
"Neighbors help children grow up. Neighbors help people find resources. If I know something [and] my neighbor needs it, I can work with them," Murphy said.
Here is a roundup of some of the National Night Out events that will be held around the Philadelphia region Tuesday.
Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Police Department will host dozens of events throughout the city, including one in the 19th Police District, which Mayor Jim Kenney will participate in. Another will be held in the 22nd District on the 1700 block of West Montgomery Avenue.
This year's event at 17th and Montgomery will feature Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, as well as a visit by Attorney General Merrick Garland. Garland is expected to arrive at the event around 5:15 p.m. He will also be at the event in Bensalem later in the evening.
State Rep. Kevin Boyle will be part of an event at Fox Chase Elementary School.
Another event will be in the 7400 block of Limekiln Pike with Councilmember Anthony Phillips.
Drexel University will host a National Night Out event beginning at 5 p.m.
Wynnewood
A National Night Out event will be held at the Wynnewood Shopping Center at 7 p.m. with first responders, community members and National Night Out founder Matt Peskin.
New Jersey
In Camden, a National Night Out event will be held at the Coopers Poynt Waterfront Park on 801 Delaware Ave. at 6:30 p.m.
An event will be held at the Pennsauken Community Recreation Complex from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Washington Township Police Department will hold an event at Washington Lake Park.
Gloucester Township police are celebrating throughout the township from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at several locations.
