Police officers in Chula Vista and National City came together with their respective communities Tuesday night at the annual National Night Out, a nationwide police awareness event.
Chula Vista police officers showed off their weapons, protective gear and other policing equipment in an effort to educate the public.
There were also informational booths about the department’s Community Emergency Response Team, Special Weapons and Tactics team and information about Senior Volunteer Patrol and other programs the department offers.
Police officers also hosted a department tour for attendees and had SWAT vehicles, police motorcycles and a command center van for viewing.
Canine handlers were also on hand offering three different canine demonstrations.
Officials estimated about 700 people attended the event.
Chief David Bejarano said with the recent events at Ferguson, Mo., and Baltimore, Md., National Night Out helps create a bridge for residents and police officers.
“It’s an opportunity to enhance the police-community relationship, an opportunity for the community to get information on crime prevention,” he said. “In order for us to continue to be a safe city, we need to work close with the community.”
Chula Vista resident Breshan Weaver has attended National Night Out for six years. He said he enjoys bringing his two young children to the event so they can be educated about the police force.
“This is a great event for the kids so that they can see what’s going on, so that they don’t have to be scared of the police and that they know the police are there to help them,” he said. “It definitely brings more of the community together.”
In National City, officers and fire officials mingled with the crowd at Kimball Park, providing hamburgers hot dogs and hot dogs for about 400 guests.
National City officers also showcased their armor, weapons and vehicles to those in attendance.
There were also informational booths and a canine demonstration.
National City Police Chief Manuel Rodriguez said National Night Out is a great event for officers and community to understand each other.
“When officers see the community in a positive light like they are tonight, and the community sees officers in a positive light like they are tonight, then you really build off that foundation of trust,” he said.
“One of the things you have to understand is that we’re here to serve the public. You can’t serve the public if they don’t trust you.”
National City resident Art Salcedo agreed with the chief and said the department’s relationship with the community is essential for successful policing.
“This event is good so that the community will not be afraid of the police,” Salcedo said. “If the community cannot approach the police freely then there will be problems. This is a nice thing that there is interaction from the community with the police.”
