The first Tuesday of August, communities across Orange County traditionally join in on “National Night Out,” a day for ordinary citizens to interact with their police departments.
The National Association of Town Watch introduced the campaign in 1984, an event that promotes togetherness and community. In the 41 years since its establishment, 38 million people have attended National Night Out happenings in 17,000 communities across all 50 states.
“It is an excellent opportunity for us to put work aside for a few hours and meet people that we serve in a fun, family-friendly environment,” Sgt Jon McClintock with the Anaheim Police Department said in an email.
McClintock said in Anaheim, where National Night Out events have been held for more than 30 years, they have “been well-attended in the past, and it takes place at a different location (park) each year, giving us an opportunity to connect with members of the community from throughout Anaheim.”
Police departments across the county have demonstrations planned and many bring out vehicles and equipment for residents to check out. They often roll out the grill to make hot dogs for residents and at least one has a dunk tank planned.
“It is a chance for officers, detectives, command staff, and professional staff to answer questions about police work and for members of our community to learn about the resources available to them,” McClintock said. “Members from throughout the organization staff booths and displays to showcase the work that they do to make Anaheim a safe community to live, work, and play.”
That National Night Out campaign builds off the concept that fostering the relationship between police departments and the communities they serve improves safety and pushes out crime.
McClintock mentioned the benefits of the informal nature of National Night Out, saying it “is an opportunity to meet law enforcement professionals in a casual, friendly environment. The event has games, displays, and other activities that allow our staff to talk about what they do, answer questions from the community, and learn more about the community they serve.”
Brea K9 officer Matt Wendling, left, swings around the German shepherd named Mirk to demonstrate how the police dogs are trained not to let go of a suspect until give a command to do so during the National Night Out in Brea Downtown in Brea on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Here are some of the National Night Out events planned in Orange County – events are on Aug. 6 unless otherwise noted:
Anaheim: There will be live demonstrations, food trucks, and a performance from Modern Highway; from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Modjeska Park, 1331 S. Nutwood St.
Brea: People can meet police officers, watch K-9 demonstrations, participate in a raffle and try to dunk and officer in the dunk tank; from 6 to 8 p.m. at Brea Downtown, 330 W. Birch St.
Cypress: There will be school safety with Officer Donut, crime prevention tips from Cypress police officers and local exhibitors, as well as a DJ, activities, giveaways and food will be available; from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Civic Center Green, 5275 Orange Ave.
Fountain Valley: Visitors can watch demonstrations by the city’s police and fire departments and there will also be food, a costume contest and a movie in the park; from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Fountain Valley Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst St.
Fullerton: The Police Department will have demonstrations from its K-9 unit, SWAT team and emergency vehicles, also hot dogs and music; from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Downtown Plaza, 125 E. Wilshire Ave.
Garden Grove: Visit information booths, view the SWAT vehicle and get your face painted; from 5 to 8 p.m. at the police station at 11301 Acacia Parkway.
Huntington Beach: Touch a truck, visit informational booths, see public safety vehicles and watch demonstrations. There will also be a petting zoo, arts and crafts and food trucks; from 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the police station at 2000 Main St.
Irvine: Meet the city’s police and firefighters, see their vehicles, and participate in activities, there will also be food trucks and informational booths and residents are encouraged to bring non-perishable food for Families Forward; from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Palm Court Arts Complex in the Great Park.
Ladera Ranch: The OC Sheriff’s Department, CHP, Orange County Fire Authority and Marines from Camp Pendleton will participate in the evening with demonstrations and equipment on display; from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 13 at Founders Park, 28275 Avendale Blvd.
La Habra: Meet police officers and see their vehicles; from 5 to 8 p.m. at Portola Park, 301 Euclid St.
La Palma: Meet the police, visit informational booths and enjoy a performance from Stonesoul, there will also be food trucks, a family fun zone and resource booths; from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 1 at Central Park, 7821 Walker St.
Lake Forest: Learn safety information, enjoy complimentary food and slide down inflatable slides. Residents are also encouraged to bring an item to donate for the Six Points For Kids School supplies drive; from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lake Forest Sports Park, 28000 Vista Terrace
Laguna Beach: Watch drone demonstrations, a boat rescue and more displays from the city’s police, fire, and marine safety departments, there will also be food trucks and face painting; from 5 to 8 p.m. at Main Beach, off Coast Highway.
Mission Viejo: Participate in interactive booths, watch K-9 demonstrations and see the sheriff’s helicopter; from 5 to 8 p.m. at Melinda Park, 28951 Melinda Road.
Newport Beach: The city’s agencies will be offering safety information, unit displays and photo opportunities; from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bonita Canyon Sports Park, 1990 Ford Road.
Orange: Visit information booths, meet police and other authority figures and check out police vehicles; from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Grijalva Park, 368 N Prospect St.
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Placentia: Meet first responders, try on their gear and experience hands-on activities and demonstrations; from 4 to 8 p.m. at Placentia Town Center, Yorba Linda Boulevard and Kraemer Boulevard.
Santa Ana: Meet with the city’s police officers, visit informational booths, make crafts and more; from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cabrillo Park, 1820 E. Fruit St.
Seal Beach: See SWAT vehicles, eat cotton candy and visit a petting zoo; from 6 to 8 p.m. at Eisenhower Park, at Ocean Avenue and Main Street.
Stanton: Meet with first responders and learn about what they do, also watch the 2022 animated movie, “The Bad Guys;” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 9 at Stanton Central Park, 10660 Western Ave.
Yorba Linda: Watch a K-9 demonstration, meet with police and learn more about community resources that are available; from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 7 at the Yorba Linda Community Center, 4501 Casa Loma Ave.
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