The Madison Police Department interacted with thousands of Madisonians during National Night Out celebrations last week in an effort to strengthen ties with the community.
National Night Out, which takes place annually on the first Tuesday in August, is held each year to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community, according to its national website, and provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
Here in Madison, two events were held in each of the city’s six patrol districts, and a larger event took place at Warner Park on Madison’s North Side before the Madison Mallards game on Aug. 5.
Officers grilled out, played games and got a chance to deepen connections with the people they serve.
“We all wear a uniform with a badge, but we are also human beings. Most of us become first responders to help people, but we also want to give back to our community,” said Madison Police Captain Diana Nachtigal, who oversees community outreach efforts for the department, in a statement.
Attendees also got the chance to interact with multiple MPD specialty groups, such as Mounted Patrol, the K9 team, Mental Health Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team.
“Public safety is a community effort. The best way to make our city safer is by getting to know our neighbors,” said Madison Police Acting Chief John Patterson.
