National Night Out brings Bronx families, police together to build trust
More than 70 National Night Out events were held across New York City's five boroughs, including 12 in the Bronx.
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Families, police officers and city leaders gathered Tuesday in West Concourse as part of National Night Out, an annual event aimed at strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
More than 70 National Night Out events were held across New York City's five boroughs, including 12 in the Bronx.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Attorney General Letitia James and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark at Reverend Wendell Foster Park, where he presented a proclamation recognizing the 44th Precinct and Transit District 11.
"Today is one of those days where we help to build that bridge between law enforcement and the community we serve," Mamdani said.
The park was filled with music, games, bounce houses and public safety resources as officers spent the afternoon interacting with children and families outside of an emergency setting.
Children laughed as they played on bouncy castles and met officers throughout the event.
For some teenagers, the event offered an opportunity to build relationships with officers while feeling more connected to their neighborhood.
"Us being 14-year-olds, there's a lot of stuff happening. Being able to socialize with everyone, it makes us feel safe," one teenager said.
Auxiliary officers volunteering at the event said those interactions help strengthen relationships with young people.
"We like to protect the people, serve the community," said Raymond Sanchez, an auxiliary police officer with the 44th Precinct.
"I saw a lot of children who say they want to become a police officer when they grow up. So to me it makes me feel good," said Chiber Figueredo, an auxiliary police officer with the 44th Precinct.
Parents said they appreciated seeing children interact with officers in a positive environment.
"Just to see they can interact with the officers because sometimes children see them as an authority figure to be afraid of and it shouldn't be that way," said Kathy, a Bronx parent.
School Safety Agent Briana Moses said events like National Night Out can help change children's perceptions of law enforcement.
"Kids misunderstand officers. It's good to see them interact on a good note," Moses said.
While attendees said the annual event is a positive step, some said they hope those interactions continue throughout the year.
"Even seeing kids playing basketball joining in on a basketball game," Kathy said when asked what she would like to see more of.
"More events like this," Moses added.
National Night Out is held each year in communities across the country to encourage partnerships between police departments and residents while promoting neighborhood safety and community engagement.
