National Night Out is an annual campaign that promotes fostering trust and relationships between police officers and their communities. It is a chance for community members to learn about services that law enforcement provides in their area. 

National Night Out was introduced in August of 1984 through an already established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. The first annual National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states. 

Today, National Night Out is observed by over 16,000 communities, featuring block parties, cookouts, parades, and safety demonstrations. The city of Springfield has been an active participant for nearly 15 years, with Chicopee also engaged in the initiative. Through National Night Out events and demonstrations, law enforcement officers aim to reaffirm their commitment to protecting and engaging with the communities they serve. This occasion presents an opportunity for law enforcement, residents, and community stakeholders to foster camaraderie, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of neighborhood safety. 

Due to heightened attention to police brutality in the media, there has been a significant erosion of trust in law enforcement agencies, especially within communities of color. This lack of trust peaked during the 2020 riots following the murder of George Floyd. As a result, police departments are using events such as National Night Out to rebuild connections and public trust and showcase their commitment to learning how to effectively de-escalate situations. 

“There’s been negativity in the press on both sides of the community,” says William Witherspoon, Law Enforcement Coordinator at BHN and former Springfield police officer. “National Night Out helps clear the air and to help the police and their communities see that they are both on the same side. It helps kids to be less afraid to see and talk to officers. It gets rid of a lot of prejudice and misunderstanding.” 

For more information and to view a list of all Massachusetts communities that are participating, visit National Night Out’s official website at natw.org. Local communities participating include Barre, Belchertown, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Palmer, Springfield and Ware.