The Historic Triangle will join the rest of the country Tuesday with its annual National Night Out, an event focused on connecting the community with local police officers and deputies.
Residents who want to connect with their local officers can do so in either James City County or Williamsburg, according to county and city news releases.
During National Night Out, law enforcement officers reach out into their communities to build relationships with residents. Some communities hold block parties or cookouts, while others focus on educational programs and safety.
“National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community,” the National Night Out website states. “Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.”
In Williamsburg, the event will be held from 5-8 p.m. at the Community Building, located at 401 N. Boundary Street, according to a news release. This will be the police department’s fourth year hosting the event.
Parking is available in the Prince George Parking Garage and the top level of the Parking Terrace near the Community Building.
Police will offer 20-minute safety lessons covering various topics such as home safety, crime prevention, bicycle and pedestrian safety, fraud and scam awareness, the release said.
Parents can also have their children photographed and fingerprinted for free child identification cards. The cards include identifying information and can be used if children are taken or wander off, the release said.
Williamsburg Police will cook hot dogs and hamburgers and provide drinks for event attendees. Other food vendors will also be present, the release said, and some businesses will offer door prizes and free items.
Residents will be able to meet law enforcement from several agencies, including Williamsburg Police Department, Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff’s Office, William & Mary Police, Colonial Williamsburg Security, National Park Service and the Virginia State Police.
According to a James City County calendar post, many neighborhoods in the county have also organized block parties, cookouts, and visits with officers and McGruff the Crime Dog.
National Night Out events in the county will run from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Tuesday.
According to James City County Police Department spokeswoman Stephanie Williams, a total of 26 county neighborhoods and apartment complexes will be participating in Tuesday’s event. Officers will rotate through each of the communities, visiting for a period of about 30 minutes. Police will bring along goody bags, which include coloring books, crayons and stickers.
Deputies from the Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff’s Office will also travel with police department officers to various neighborhoods.
“During the evening, residents throughout the county are asked to lock their doors, turn on porch lights and spend the evening outdoors with neighbors and police,” the calendar event said.
