National Night Out Takes on New Significance for CMPD
The a recent wave of shootings involving law enforcement officers across the country has put special significance on this year's National Night Out campaign.
CHARLOTTE, NC — The a recent wave of shootings involving law enforcement officers across the country has put special significance on this year’s National Night Out campaign.
What started as a way to bring people out of their homes, in a symbolic statement against neighborhood crime, is now a healing tool for neighborhoods and the men and women who serve them.
“Our officers, our heroes, really need to see and hear how much they’re appreciated,” says CMPD Chief Kerr Putney. “And it couldn’t be more timely.”
Time for building bridges, and some tough conversations.
“That’s kind of the common denominator,” says Charlotte city council member Julie Eiselt. “You have to find those ways to come together, and get to know each other, and then be able to have the tough discussions.”
As police officers and residents came together at parks and neighborhood block parties across Mecklenburg County for National Night Out, they did so amid a tense national debate about the role of policing and the use of force in communities, and law enforcement concerns about the targeting of police.
“Law enforcement, we’re family,” says Mecklenburg County Sheriff Irwin Carmichael. “I mean we’re all family. We’re all here to serve the community, and keep the community safe.”
“Tonight is an opportunity for the community to come out and show their support for our police officers, and showing that Charlotte is a safe place,” says Charlotte city council member Al Austin.
The mission of National Night Out has always been humanizing police officers. But this year there is a poignant opportunity for police and community to take a deeper look at their relationships; how to decrease crime without making some residents feel unsafe, and how to create an environment where law enforcement feels respected and not targeted for wearing a badge.
Both sides have to listen, and try to make the situation better.
“Coming together,” says Washington Heights resident, and community volunteer, Maddie Marshall. “Making a difference in our neighborhoods. And building strong relationships with our community officers.”
“It’s good to get an understanding and connect on a level of humanity, and see how much we have in common,” says Chief Putney. “Not so much about what divides us.”
There were more than 70 neighborhoods hosting National Night Out events in Mecklenburg County this year, with thousands of residents, and hundreds of officers attending.
