Community Corner
Grand Rapids Police Department Hosts National Night Out Event Tuesday
The Grand Rapids Police Department will host a National Night Out event 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) will host a National Night Out event 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 6 at MacKay Jaycees Park, 2531 Kalamazoo Avenue SE.
This year’s National Night Out will be a drive-through event to ensure social distancing. The police department, Grand Rapids Fire Department, LIFE ems and AMR will be on hand to offer crime prevention information, truck displays, giveaways and socially distanced community engagement. Neighborhood associations and other agencies dedicated to safety and security of the community will also be on hand. Facemasks will be required.
The police department participates in National Night Out annually to enhance relationships between neighbors and law enforcement, while bringing back a true sense of community.
“This event provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances,” Police Chief Eric Payne said. “As I detailed during the unveiling of our strategic plan today, a safe community is built around community members working together to address the issues unique to their neighborhood. As we strengthen those neighborly bonds, we develop lasting relationships where trust flourishes. As neighborhoods partner with the law enforcement, they become more empowered to develop problem-oriented solutions that stand the test of time.
“My goal is to ensure that community members have the ability to reach out to an officer any time they have an issue or problem,” Payne said. “The essence of community engagement is relationship building. The more entrenched these positive relationships are, the stronger our community will be.”
This press release was produced by the City of Grand Rapids. The views expressed are the author's own.
