Officers from the BHPD’s Motor Unit welcomed families at the annual event on Rexford Drive. (photo by Tabor Brewster)

Thousands of community members joined law enforcement officials in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles and West Hollywood on Aug. 6 in a show of unity and support on National Night Out Against Crime.

National Night Out events are held annually on the first Tuesday of August, bringing together neighbors and the first responders who serve them. The informal setting allows people to engage in conversation, discuss concerns and learn about police programs. National Night Out events include barbecues and block parties, resource fairs and law enforcement demonstrations. In Beverly Hills, the city held a lively party in the 400 block of North Rexford Drive, in front of the library and fire department headquarters. It included music, food trucks, information booths and family activities. The Beverly Hills Police Department staffed displays from the SWAT Team, Real Time Watch Center Drone Program and Mobile Command Center, and the BHPD Motor Unit performed a skills demonstration on motorcycles.

“It’s an opportunity for the community and the police to get together in a positive, healthy, happy way and just get to know each other on a personal basis,” BHPD Chief Mark Stainbrook said. “A lot of times when the police meet you it’s not under the best circumstances. So it’s a fun night. We think there are about 3,000 people [here], a lot of families out – a really good time.”

Personnel from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Wilshire Division joined community members at Poinsettia Park, where a National Night Out Against Crime event was hosted by the neighborhood advocacy group Melrose Action. Hundreds of people mingled on the park’s lawn enjoying live music and food by Pink’s Hot Dogs, the Taco Cartel Truck and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. Members of the Wilshire Division’s command staff and senior lead officers met with community members, and a resource fair offered information about city departments and community organizations.

“The whole idea of National Night Out Against Crime is to get the community out to meet each other, form bonds, form alliances, form friendships. In that way, people are able to help one another,” said Capt. Jeff Hollis, commanding officer of the Wilshire Division. “You build your neighborhood, you build your community. People are able to watch out for each other. It helps prevent crimes.”

Melrose Action founder Perter Nichols said it is important to provide a venue for neighbors and police officers to get to know each other, so they know who to call when they have concerns. Melrose Action has been hosting the National Night Out Against Crime event in Poinsettia Park for 16 years.

“It’s one slog at a time, trying to make things better for everyone. Everybody benefits from community coming together,” Nichols said. “It’s important to get people together to show support and we always try to make sure everybody has a good time.”

In West Hollywood, National Night Out Against Crime was celebrated at barbecues and block parties in neighborhoods throughout the city. Deputies from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station and Block by Block ambassadors met with residents at community events held by neighborhood associations and neighborhood watch groups. The West Hollywood Recreation Services Division showed “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” at Plummer Park, and held a fair with family activities. Hundreds of people gathered for the celebration, which was staffed by volunteers from West Hollywood teen programs.

“It’s very fun, because I love working, and this is a very busy day,” said Sophia, a high school-aged volunteer with WeHo Teens. “[Volunteering] teaches you a lot of things, like being responsible, communicating with people. I like kids, and seeing a lot of kids makes me happy.”

Personnel from the LAPD’s Wilshire Division spoke with community members at Poinsettia Park. (photo by Edwin Folven)