On the first Tuesday of August every year, the National Night Out (NNO) is celebrated across the United States, bringing together a night of joy between the police and the community. It is a time for people to engage in close conversations with law enforcement officers and strengthen their connections.
On the evening of Tuesday, August 6th, thousands of communities in all states, territories, and military bases worldwide actively participated in this event. The atmosphere was lively in front of the Pomona Civic Center, with activities ranging from dance performances, face painting, and delicious food to various informational booths. People of different ages enthusiastically chatted with police officers dressed in uniform, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
“This is a national event, and our police department always actively participates. It’s great to see hundreds of people joining us to enjoy this evening together,” said Michael Ellis, Chief of the Pomona Police Department. “Building relationships with the community to ensure people can easily interact with and converse with the police is the main purpose of the event.”
To engage with the community on a deeper level, the Pomona Police Department brought a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) vehicle to the scene. Many children had the opportunity to try on heavy bulletproof vests and other specialized equipment while listening to officers explain their daily work routines. At another booth, police displayed investigative equipment used at crime scenes, sharing with the public the process of evidence collection.
Wendy Garcia greeted every police officer present with her family and expressed gratitude for the dedication of law enforcement officers. “I want my children to come out and understand more. Perhaps they can discover their future career paths. My son wants to become a police officer, and I deeply admire the police officers myself.”
While chatting, Garcia’s young son picked up a magnifying glass and examined a footprint model closely. “The police truly help everyone in our community. They are doing amazing work,” Garcia said.
Her daughter Serena also had a great time, saying, “This is my first time participating in this event, and I’m happy. I’m not afraid of the police, I’m willing to chat with them. They help us, supervise us. When you make a small mistake, they warn you, give you advice, so that you don’t make big mistakes. I’m grateful for that.”
Mayor Tim Sandoval of Pomona stated, “This event brings our police and community together. While the community faces many challenges, the more we cooperate, the better the community becomes because everyone wants to feel safe.”
Various booths at the event included topics like mental health, healthcare systems, school district education, water resources, making information more accessible to the public. A U.S. high-tech company, Gan Jing World, dedicated to creating a clean world free from internet addiction, invited attendees to use the new hashtag #NNO2024 to enhance police-community interaction.
Upon learning that Gan Jing World is a social media platform promoting a “crime-free, porn-free, drug-free world,” many parents expressed their support, commending the platform’s “Kindness is Cool” video contest initiative.
Chief Ellis emphasized that kindness is crucial in police-civilian relations and interpersonal relationships, stating that kindness is a value that everyone should share. “Kindness is something that can bring about positive outcomes when shown to others. If everyone acts with kindness, treats others well, and shows goodwill, it can lead to wonderful rewards,” he remarked.
Mayor Sandoval added that despite differing political views, maintaining goodwill in communication and building connections with others can resolve many conflicts. “When people feel they are treated with kindness, they feel happy. Therefore, kindness is a universal value that transcends cultures and nations. Today is a day for giving back, serving, being friendly, and showing respect to one another,” he concluded.