On October 4, National Night Out celebrated its 39th year of promoting camaraderie between officers and the communities they serve — and members of the METRO Police Department (MPD) and Public Affairs team were out and ready to mingle.

METRO Police Chief Vera Bumpers said the annual community-building event is an excellent opportunity to develop police-citizen partnerships.

“We always look forward to National Night Out because it empowers residents to build tighter and safer communities by getting to know their neighbors and forging meaningful connections with law enforcement,” said Bumpers. "It really helps foster a true sense of community.” 

MPD officers and METRO representatives engaged residents at several local parks and community centers, educating them about what the Authority and its police department do to keep the region moving safely. Officers also answered questions from residents and stressed the importance of everyone working together for public safety.

At Mickey Leland Memorial Park in northeast Houston, Kashmere Gardens Super Neighborhood #52 sponsored the event and served free hot dogs, chips, and soda. Attendees enjoyed raffles, live music, and entertainment from the neighborhood high school band. METRO Sr. Public Engagement Representative Christine Moreno-Conner said the event was well-attended.

“There were about 150-200 people in attendance. The park was full of folks just conversing and enjoying the evening,” said Moreno-Conner. “It was a very active and fun time for all.”

At Houston area National Night Out events, MPD Officers answered questions from residents and stressed the importance of everyone working together for public safety.

METRO Sr. Public Engagement Representative Christine Moreno-Conner and METRO Board Member Christopher Hollins attended National Night Out at Mickey Leland Memorial Park.

Watch Video: Residents and MPD officers enjoy fellowship, food, and entertainment at area National Night Out events.