On Tuesday, the St. Cloud Police Department held its National Night Out event at St. Cloud Lakefront Park. The event, which was rescheduled due to weather, was a hit, offering a fun-filled evening of games, activities, and public safety presentations. Families enjoyed live entertainment from a DJ, delicious food from local food trucks, and touch-a-truck displays where kids could explore police and emergency vehicles.
“National Night Out is about those community bonds that help keep our community safe,” St. Cloud Police Chief Doug Georke said during the event. “We solve problems togther, it’s not just the police. We consistently go out and interact with our community, and it keeps our crime rate down. We want to know who are community is, and we certainly want our community to know who we are.”
National Night Out is an annual initiative designed to strengthen the relationship between communities and law enforcement, fostering partnerships that enhance neighborhood safety and camaraderie. Founded in 1984, the event encourages communities across the country to come together, engage with local police departments, and take a stand against crime through organized events, block parties, and public safety demonstrations.
The campaign is important because it promotes positive interactions between law enforcement and the public. By building trust, it helps ensure safer, more connected communities, where residents feel comfortable engaging with police officers and reporting issues before they escalate.
St. Cloud Police Department’s National Night Out included face painting, a St. Cloud Police robot demonstration, WonderWorks activities, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, free Starbucks, and a dunk tank featuring Police Chief Doug Goerke. The event provided not only entertainment but also meaningful safety presentations, fostering a sense of togetherness and partnership between the community and law enforcement.