National night out returns to Michiana

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. – National Night Out is making a comeback at multiple locations throughout Michiana on August 3, 2021.

Law enforcement agencies across the country participate in National Night Out every year. The goal is to build and strengthen community relationships and trust in a relaxed setting.

“That’s really what it is, how can we create safer neighborhoods unless we communicate better with each other about what is going on,” Keenan Lane, the National Night Out event coordinator for South Bend Police Department.

National Night Out takes place on the first Tuesday in August. It began in the 1980s to promote citizen involvement in crime prevention activities and improve police-community relationships. Since then, it has grown a lot!

Events like these give the public a chance to meet the men and women behind the badge.

The family-friendly events will have food and games for the kids and even demonstrations from different agency services like SWAT, K9, and the bomb unit.

Like many other things, National Night Out was canceled last year due to COVID. Local leaders say they are excited to revive the tradition and bring back some sense of normalcy.

Locations:

South Bend Police -- Outside police headquarters on Sample Street from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Joseph County Police-- outside Penn High School from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Mishawaka Police Department-- Merrifield Park at 5 p.m. and Twin Branch Park at 5:45 p.m.