The NYPD celebrated the National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday evening, an event in its 40th year that sees each precinct across the city hold a community get-together.
From Lower Manhattan to Washington Heights, police station houses looked to build tighter bonds with residents by hosting unique celebrations that included games, barbecues, and meet-and-greets with officers.
NYPD 5th Precinct
Police Commissioner Edward Caban helped kick-off the evening by visiting the 5th Precinct’s block party-style extravaganza. The top cop shook hands and took selfies with Chinatown residents while the sound of children laughing with joy resounded in the air as they slid down an inflatable slide.
People lined up at almost every booth along Division Street and Bowery, where locals could receive information brochures on health and safety as well as free giveaways.
Visitors also had the opportunity to pose for photos in several law enforcement vehicles. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg joined Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and City Councilman Christopher Marte in celebrating the festivities.
“We have a saying: public safety is a shared responsibility. We can’t do everything alone,” Commissioner Caban said to the large gathering. “It’s my honor to be here.”
NYPD 6th Precinct
While the 5th Precinct served as more of a street festival, the 6th Precinct offered a street cookout in the parking area behind their station house on Charles Street and Bleeker.
Cops manned several grills and cooked burgers and hotdogs while those in the area chatted over open flames. Squirting ketchup and mustard, officers and community members alike enjoyed the evening together as community groups disseminated information on local activities and safety information.
Midtown North Precinct
Midtown North, also known as the 18th Precinct, held its event at P.S. 111 Adolph S. Ochs’ playground on West 53rd Street. Upon entering the playground, guests were greeted by two members of NYPD’s Mounted Unit on their horses. Some posed for photos, while others quizzed the officers as to their horses’ names, weight, and how they maneuver around the city.
The officers of Midtown North played football and soccer at the playground with children and teens across the track and field. The men and women in blue also tested their free-throw shots with teens, laughing whenever their opponent missed.
The school’s playground was filled with families munching on pizza, hotdogs, hamburgers and assortment of snacks. There was also a balloon artist on hand to create swords, flowers, and even butterfly shaped wings for the children.
At each of these Night Out Events, members of NYPD made sure to thank members of their community boards who work to help both the precincts and their neighbors by volunteering their time and effort toward an array of projects and activities.
At Midtown North, Commanding Officer John O’Connell presented Hell’s Kitchen local Elke Fears a commendation for being an advocate and partner to the department.
Senator Brad Holyman-Sigal was also in attendance and shared a proclamation deeming Aug. 1 Midtown North Community Council appreciation day.
NYPD 24th Precinct
Members of the 24th Precinct held their National Night Out Against Crime on the Upper West Side at the Warrior Playground on 99th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
Families and officers strengthened their bonds over music, food, and dancing. There were also medical professionals present who offered free health screenings for those in attendance.
NYPD 30th Precinct
Officers from the 30th Precinct pulled out all the stops at their National Night Out Against Crime offering locals an afternoon and evening of performances, games, raffles, and basketball in the Carmansville Playground located at 1841 Amsterdam Ave.
The children in attendance excitedly cheered when a puppeteer appeared at the event, entertaining the locals with songs, such as “I know my ABCs,” and games.
Guests were able to meet their borough representatives and advocate agencies to learn more about the awareness campaigns like the Domestic Violence Unit and other ways to help keep families safe.
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