http://youtu.be/fZDnuKeF3zc
Las Cruces Police organized the 5th Annual National night out which gives the community a chance to learn about and interact with first responders.
Las Cruces Police, Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department, Las Cruces Fire Department and many other organizations were all out on Main Street getting a chance to show the community different aspects of law enforcement. Community liaison officer for the Las Cruces Police Department, Aaron Glymph organized the event and says it’s like a block party for first responders.
“We have several different sections of parks and rec is doing a bunch of activities for kids,” Glymph said. “A lot of local business and non-profits are doing all sorts of activities for families and kids. Obviously all our law enforcement and first responding agencies are going to have all our vehicles and units on display. And we have some food that’s out for people, everything is free, and everybody can come out and just have a free fun night.”
Glymph says it’s important for children to interact with law enforcement at a young age.
“A big issue I have is a lot of people kind of engrain in their kids to be afraid of law enforcement,” Glymph said. “Whether that be intentional or not. I think it’s really important that if something bad is happening for them to be comfortable and willing to go speak to a law enforcement officer in case something happens.”
Kiel Hoffman came with his family to the event, and says things like this help his son build trust with law enforcement.
“If their comfortable and talking to them,” Hoffman said. “And meeting them and doing things, I think it makes a difference in the real world situation that they feel alright to talk to them and ask for help.”
Officer Glymph says he also hopes events like this will help keep kids out of trouble.
“I think this is a good outlet for them to come out,” Glymph said. “Not only to interact with law enforcement. Just to get out in the community in general and have something fun and positive to do.”
Glymph says one of the main goals of the event is to build trust and communication with the community.
“There’s some issues of animosity,” Glymph said. “And I think there is a big disconnect of communication between the public and law enforcement agencies, and I think it’s really good to bridge that gap, which is kind of what this event is for. So that people actually know what going on, and know where law enforcement is coming from as well on both sides. And them helping us do our jobs because the community is a big part of what we do.”
National Night Out is held on the first Tuesday of August every year.
