The Garden City Police Department, along with staff of the Garden City Recreation Department, recently conducted a community program titled “National Night Out” at Community Park.
“National Night Out” is a program conducted in communities throughout the country where local police departments and residents form a partnership to make their communities a safer place to live by encouraging residents to:
• Report crime or suspicious activity as soon as it happens
• Take necessary crime prevention steps
• Be prepared for emergencies
• Join and/or support local community organizations that address crime and quality of life issues
• Help make children aware of the dangers of drugs and alcohol
• Dispose all unused, expired or unwanted medications at police department headquarters
• Be aware of computer-related issues such as cyberbullying and sharing personal information
• Ensure that children know what to do when approached by strangers either in person or online
During this program Commissioner Ken Jackson, Detective Rich Pedone, officer Paul Hennessy and police intern John Casale met with numerous residents at various locations within the park to discuss current issues that impact the safety and welfare of the community.
Garden City Mayor Theresa Trouvé, trustee Mark Hyer and State Senator Kevin Thomas assisted the police department in handing out badges and bracelets to children as well as child identification kits and computer safety books to families. Commissioner Jackson stated that feedback from the community during events, such as National Night Out, is vital to the department in the development of effective programs and initiatives that will positively address the community’s concerns.
