NYPD celebrates annual National Night Out Against Crime
NYPD celebrates Night Out on August 3.
BY DEAN MOSES
After a one-year hiatus due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, the National
Night Out Against Crime returned
across the Five Boroughs on Aug. 3, with
the goal of bringing cops and the communities
they serve closer together.
The annual event takes place on a
national level with police departments
throughout the United States and Canada,
and is intended to strengthen relationships
between communities and officers
through food, games and crime prevention
information.
The event was back in full swing on
Tuesday evening throughout parks and
other open-air locations. After a year
that has seen police and public relations
strained, civilians and those in uniform
joined together to have some fun.
Officers were able to interact with members of the community.
At the National Night Out in Lower
Manhattan’s South Street Seaport, the
1stPrecinct commemorated the occasion
with a live DJ, cotton candy, popcorn,
painting, and other free activities for children
at 89 South Street.
Business owners, community groups,
PHOTOS BY DEAN MOSES
members of Transit District 2 and local
residents excitedly greeted one another as
Captain Thomas P. Smith of the 1stPrecinct
kicked of the event with a short
speech.
“Building a strong community is a
shared responsibility and together we can
make this happen,” Smith told the crowd.
Smith became the captain of the 1st
Balloon swords and flowers were
distributed to children.
Precinct in December and shared that
he is excited to begin fostering a strong
relationship between officers and the
neighborhood through monthly community
council meetings, quarterly Build the
Block meetings, social media platforms,
and various programs wherein officers
venture into the field and meet with
residents.
A representative from the mayor’s
office was also present to provide a proclamation
for the Night Out event.
Similar to the Lower Manhattan event,
the 13th Precinct held their own affair
in Gramercy, hosting their Night Out at
the Augustus St. Gaudeus Playground on
20thStreet and Second Avenue.
Here, families and community members
of all ages were treated to freshly
grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. Not only
that, on site artists sketched free caricatures
for attendees to take home.
While the adults discussed the neighborhood
with NYPD officials, the sound
of laughter echoed from a bouncy castle
filled with elated children. There was even
balloon swords and flowers created.
At both locations, and events all around
the city, the NYPD offered free books and
other gifts for those who choose to spend
the night with their local precincts.
Captain Eric S. Sandseth of the Transit Bureau District 2 joined the 1st
Precinct’s Night Out at the South Street Seaport.
There was a live DJ, popcorn, and activities for all to enjoy at the 1st
Precinct’s Night Out.
44 August 5, 2021 SScchhnneeppss MMeeddiiaa