GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Grand Rapids Police Department teamed up with several churches and community organizations Tuesday for the 34th annual National Night Out.
The event spurs community gatherings where first responders and neighbors can get to know each other.
Police say National Night Out is important in helping them break down barriers in communities and solve crimes.
“Unfortunately, we live in a society where crime happens on a daily basis,” said Sgt. Greg Alcala with GRPD.
So far this year,Grand Rapids has experienced 10 homicides and more than 160 gun related assaults. The number of homicides has already surpassed the city’s total case count for 2018.
Alcala says police can use National Night Out to strengthen community policing efforts, making people more likely to cooperate when something happens in their neighborhood.
“We want to see safe sidewalks and we want to see neighbors grow together,” said Pastor Nate DeJong McCarron with Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church.
DeJong Mccarron says his church is working to be an active part of the change. They’re hosting one of 14 NNO events in Grand Rapids this year.
“As a church, we’re called to love our neighbors. And violence has no place here, hate has no place in it and harm has no place in it,” added Dejong McCarron.
Several National Night Out events are offering free food, educational seminars and games.
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