MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Families, vendors and law enforcement across Shelby County spent Tuesday evening at the National Night Out block party.
The 41st event is intended to better the relationship between the Memphis Police Department and Memphians.
"The Tillman Station is our neighborhood police precinct," said Verlinda Henning, president of University District Inc. "So when I heard about this, I wanted to come out and see what they were doing tonight and support them and the community. And I've learned a lot about different community agencies and groups here and met some really nice people."
The National Night Out allowed all attendees to interact with officers, ask them questions and find ways to improve community relationships.
"I think that we need to be out here supporting the MPD," said Steven Lee, a vendor and ambassador for the Appling Farm Station. "They are here, protecting and keeping our community safe...Everybody needs to be out here and to say, 'Thank you for your service.'"
Historically, in Memphis and across the country, some communities have had complicated relationships with police officers and other law enforcement. Henning hopes this event encourages more Memphians to support their local police precincts.
"The community needs to understand the role of law enforcement, that it's to support the community, to keep everybody safe, and by cooperating and working together, we make Memphis and the greater area a safer place for everybody," Henning said.
Danielle Boothe, the Neighborhood Watch Program manager, said MPD is expanding its reach beyond the National Night Out and promoting programs to hopefully allow citizens to connect with officers more casually and see them in different circumstances.
"It's called the Citizen's Police Academy," she said. "You can sign up on Sept. 3, and what it does is give you an insight into what it's like to be a police officer. They'll be riding along. You'll go to the gun range. You will actually get the training that our police officers get, so you can understand where they're coming from and how they live on an everyday basis."
Information about the Citizen's Police Academy and other MPD community outreach initiatives can be found on the department's website.