Badges creating bonds across Michiana with law enforcement National Night Out 2025

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- On the first Tuesday of August, communities across the nation take part in National Night Out, an annual campaign promoting a positive relationship between residents and law enforcement. 

This year, 63 Indiana cities participated with block parties, safety demonstrations, cookouts and more including Benton Harbor, Mishawaka, South Bend, Elkhart, and Michigan City. 

In Benton Harbor, the city’s Director of Public Safety, Daniel McGinnis, already knows what it means to link law enforcement and locals, becoming the head coach of Benton Harbor football at the start of summer. 

“The main thing is and this is my, kind of my life philosophy, you can’t make change from the outside… quite honestly, I want young men to not be defendants or victims, so I thought the best way to get in there and help be a role model to youth in our community was do what I do, I’ve coached for many years, track, football, been an official, and I know that in our community we have some households that may not have role models that people can rely on,” said McGinnis. 

To learn more about National Night Out, click here.