Officers connect with communities for National Night Out

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police officers across the Carolinas focused on strengthening relationships with people in the communities they serve as part of the annual National Night Out campaign.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police hosted 119 events across the city Tuesday evening, which is a 27 percent increase from last year's events.

Hidden Valley in north Charlotte is known for having one of the most well-attended events every year.

Community leaders believe they have made progress combating crime.

"The message is that Hidden Valley is on a positive,” organizer Margery Parker said. “We’re going through a positive period and were going to keep that positive period. We’re having people that want to move in."

Neighborhoods have organized activities such as block parties, cookouts, porch sit-ins, and ice cream socials to demonstrate their support of "no tolerance" for crime.

2018 marks 250 years for the city of Charlotte. This year, CMPD is using National Night out to connect on a personal level with the community and engage residents in conversation to re-imagine the 250 years.

Last year, CMPD was working to build the community's trust. It was a record year for homicides and CMPD was short staffed.

They still need to fill 10 percent of its workforce.

CMPD has started a number of programs to reach people in the community.

They have launched the Community Empowerment Initiative. It offers financial and educational help to families in troubled communities.

CMPD also enrolled students in a program at CPCC called I-Lead. Officers work with people with disabilities to learn more about them and to break down any stereotypes between that community and officers.

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