'National Night Out' Showcases Community Policing, Police Sub-Station

Last night, Officer James Smith of the Arlington Police Department was dunked an a bucket of water more times than he could count - all in the name of fun.

The dunk tank was part of the "National Night Out," which is the main event for a  national community policing initiative and in Arlington, last night's celebration was part of the partnership between the Arlington Housing Authority and the Arlington Police Department.

Earlier this year, the Housing Authority converted a former maintenance house at Menotomy Manor into a fully functional police sub-station. The police gave tours of the station from 5 to 8 p.m. while on the outside, residents mingled, noshed on cotton candy, popcorn and burgers and the children jumped in the bouncy houses.

"We plan on doing this every year now," said John Griffin, a member of the Housing Authority and past chairman.

Community policing has become very important and, according to the national event organizers, it serves four purposes:

• Heightens crime prevention awareness.
• Strengthens neighborood spirit.
• Generates support for anti-crime efforts.
• Sends a message to criminals.

"We are hopeful that by doing this night, the community will see the police officers as people, not just uniforms," said Captain Robert Bongiorno of the Arlington Police Department.