SALINAS VALLEY — Local police departments throughout South Monterey County will take part in National Night Out on Aug. 3, meant to build trust between officers and communities and give a chance for residents to meet their law enforcement personnel.
Numerous community groups are also expected to participate in the Tuesday event, providing information and awareness.
Gonzales Police Department will host its event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Central Park, located at 207 Fifth St. The department will provide food, games and prizes. For more information, contact 831-675-5010.
Soledad Police Department’s event will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Soledad Community Center, located at 560 N. Walker Drive.
Greenfield Police Department will host its event from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Greenfield Village Green gazebo at the southern end of El Camino Real. The department announced it would have hot dogs, music and fun for those who attend.
King City Police Department’s event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Bassett Street, between the police and fire departments. There will be hot dogs, raffles, games, bounce houses and information on crime prevention and safety tips.
“National Night Out was developed to bring local law enforcement and governments together with communities to engage and get to know each other and build trust,” said Keith Boyd, King City police chief.
Boyd explained that last year, King City had to cancel plans for National Night Out, as did many other agencies, due to pandemic health restrictions. He said the event is supposed to be about meeting residents and having discussions, which was not possible under those restrictions.
With restrictions mostly lifted, there is once again an opportunity to bring the community together in a group setting.
In addition to discussion and engagement, Boyd said community members can also expect to see vehicles from both the police and fire departments. This is in addition to a number of booths expected to be set up by area businesses.
National Night Out is typically an open forum. Boyd said the format leaves more time for interaction between community members, rather than following a formalized schedule of speeches.
