By Stephen Smoot
This week, the Bridgeport Police Department participated in National Night Out, a countrywide outreach program designed to connect law enforcement to communities and the people they protect and serve.
Bridgeport Police Detective Rebecca Morrison explained that the reason for the effort lies in “bringing our communities together as one. It’s the community’s opportunity to see law enforcement as a whole.”
National Night Out started 40 years ago, built on a foundation of community law enforcement initiatives dating back to the Nixon Administration. Approximately 400 communities and 2.5 million Americans celebrated the first observance and the numbers have grown ever since.
What started with front porch vigils expanded into block parties with a festival-style atmosphere and an emphasis on connecting with young people.
Bridgeport’s National Night Out takes place at The Bridge recreational complex. On the night, the event offered attendees free food, a number of vendors, bouncy houses and other attractions for children, face painting, and more. It has grown into a city tradition that has lasted for many years.
“This is our opportunity to create a positive impact for the county,” said Morrison.
Importantly, law enforcement officers from across the region come to interact with citizens in an everyday setting. Part of law enforcement’s community perception problem often lies in the fact that the only interactions most have with police come in line of duty situations.
National Night Out provides a place where “we’re not just robotic creatures out there,” and “know that we’re human beings too,” Morrison explained.
Other area law enforcement agencies, including the Shinnston Police Department, joined the effort put on by Bridgeport. Morrison stated that “we invited Shinnston to work with us to make the event larger and more successful. We’re all just teaming up together.”
Shinnston’s police representatives helped to add interest and support to the event. Officers conducted a K-9 police dog demonstration and took part in the dunking booth. Morrison said that Shinnston police also “help with normal functions and help things run smoothly.”
Morrison shared that some of the best moments come when “kids are high-fiving and fist bumping our officers.” Such moments can form positive perceptions of law enforcement that remain cemented over time and help communities better relate to those who put their lives on the line for them every single day of duty.