NYPD, Bronx community celebrate
’NATIONAL NIGHT OUT’
Neighborhoods in the Bronx
were in a celebratory mood on
Tuesday as police and the community
came together for the annual
National Night Out Against
Crime festivities, hoping to use the
community outreach opportunity
to effectively combat a concerning
rise in crime.
The annual event takes place
with police departments throughout
the U.S., and is intended to
strengthen relationships between
communities and offi cers through
food, games and crime prevention
information.
This year’s event -- back in full
swing after a one-year hiatus due to
the COVID-19 pandemic -- marked
the 38th National Night Out against
crime. Since 1984, the event culminates
on the fi rst Tuesday in
August. This year, conversations
about the relationship between civilians
and cops, as well as an uptick
in violent crime in New York
City, was front and center.
According to data from the
NYPD, crime is up almost 15% citywide
compared to this time last
year, and up approximately 52% in
the Bronx over that same period.
But after a year that has seen police
and public relations strained,
civilians and those in uniform
joined together to have some fun
throughout parks and open-air locations
all over the borough. NYPD
offi cials, elected offi cials and members
of precinct councils urged the
community’s attendance at a number
of precincts. In fact, all police
precincts in the Bronx participated
in the in-person event this year.
The Bronx’s 46th Precinct hosted
the main events on Aug. 3, along
the Grand Concourse, including
games, contests, prizes and a visit
from Police Commissioner Dermot
Shea.
Nationally, millions of people
take part in National Night Out
across thousands of communities
from all 50 states, U.S. territories
and military bases worldwide partake
in the event. Neighborhoods
host block parties, festivals, parades,
cookouts and various other
community events with safety
demonstrations, seminars, youth
events, visits from emergency personnel,
exhibits and much, much
more.
The National Night Out initiative
fi rst began in the western suburbs
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
-Catelin Bromfi eld
BRONX TIMES R 8 EPORTER, AUG. 6-12, 2021 BTR
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1. NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea has some laughs with local chidlren at the 46th Precinct’s block party to celebrate
National Night Out at 181 Street and the Grand Concourse. Photo Adrian Childress 2. The deputy inspector of the
45th Precinct receives a certifi cate from state Sen. Gustavo Rivera. Photo Miriam Quinones 3. It was a party-like
atmosphere on the Grand Concourse for the annual National Night Out Against Crime community event. Photo Adrian
Childress 4. Ebony Laidley with her daughter London Laidley at the 45th Precinct’s block party on Aug. 3, 2021.
Photo Aracelis Batista 5. From left, police offi cer Suarez, Travis Lagares, Christina Liz, Logan Lagares and police Det.
Souhrada. Photo Aracelis Batista 6. Nyali, left, and Nyromi Amparo enjoy the festivities at Owen Dolan Park. Photo
Aracelis Batista 7. Police offi cers from the 45th Precinct with members of the Rodriguez family. Photo Aracelis Batista
8. Area kids challenge an NYPD offi cer to video games on Aug. 3, 2021. Photo Adrian Childress 9. Captain America
poses with, from left, Melissa, Ismael, Randy and Kayla at the 52nd Precinct’s party for the community at Poe Park along
the Grand Concourse. Photo Miriam Quinones 10. State Sen. Gustavo Rivera enjoys the sounds as he dances with an
offi cer of the 46th Precinct. Photo Adrain Childress 11. A member of the NYPD’s Mounted Unit lets a neighborhood
child pet her horse near East 182nd Street and Anthony Avenue. Photo Adrian Childress 12. State Assemblyman Jose
Rivera and Sandra Colon enjoy the summer atmosphere and festivities. Photo Miriam Quinones