Events for National Night Out, a country-wide campaign aimed at bolstering police-community relations, are slated to take place Tuesday evening across Anne Arundel County and Annapolis, where new Police Chief Ed Jackson will mingle with citizens at up to four neighborhood events.
In the county, events are scheduled for Brooklyn Park, Earleigh Heights, Crofton and Shady Side. Events in Annapolis are slated for Obery Court, Chambers Park, Annapolis Gardens and Bay Ridge Gardens.
“It’s kind of like a summer block party but the focus is on your neighborhood and safety,” said Sgt. Amy Miguez, Annapolis police spokeswoman.
The national events are intended to provide a positive venue for neighbors to interact with each other and their police officers. Miguez said it’s important for the community to interact with police officers at a fun event, rather than when something has afflicted a neighborhood.
Miguez likened the interactions to those she has with students at Annapolis-area public schools. During those interactions she wears her uniform and addresses questions about the different police tools she and other officers carry on their belts. But Miguez also talks about her children and emphasizes she’s a mom when she’s off duty.
It’s important, she said, for people to know their officers are moms and dads and brothers and sisters just like the citizens they police.
At all the National Night Out events slated for Tuesday evening in Annapolis and the county, police dogs will make appearances. Their K9 handlers will introduce those interested to the dogs and show off some of the techniques that make the canines invaluable to police work. Miguez said the police pooches are always a “big hit.”
“National Night Out is one of my favorite events,” county Police Chief Timothy Altomare said in a statement. “It gives us an opportunity every year to reaffirm our relationship with the community we serve. Community members can meet and get to know our police officers in a positive environment and get to see some of the more interesting tools we use to keep the community safe.”
Brooklyn Park: county police will be displaying their Command Post vehicle — an RV that police take to serious crimes. Citizens will be allowed to tour the vehicle. The event is slated for 6-8 p.m. at the Chesapeake Center for the Arts at 194 Hammonds Lane.
Severna Park: police will have their G-3 helicopter and “Chase” the robot dog on display. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 8 p.m. at the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company located at 161 Ritchie Highway.
Crofton: police will have an armored vehicle and an off-road vehicle. The night is slated to run from 5-8 p.m. at the Crofton Community Library located at 1681 Reidel Road.
Shady Side: police are slated to bring a helicopter and some officers will display their riot gear. It’s scheduled for 5- 8 p.m. at the Lula Scott Community Library located at 6243 Shady Side Road.
Annapolis, too, has some fun features on display:
Obery Court: Annapolis and Capitol Police will be in attendance, with K9s and all from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Annapolis Gardens: Annapolis police, Mayor Gavin Buckley, the Chick Fil A cow and music from DJ J Rock are expected to visit the event put on by the Annapolis Gardens Resident Council. There will also be music, dancing, Zumba, face painting, a raffle and marching band at the event. It’s slated for 5-8 p.m. at 250 Crolls Drive.
John T Chambers Park: Music by DJ Adolph as well as a ground mural painting exercise by local artists have been arranged. The event is scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 14 Dorsey Avenue.
Bay Ridge Gardens: Join police and more for food and fun from 5-8 p.m. at Marcs Court.
