Red Bank Police, Community Join Forces For National Night Out

Article by Anastasia Millicker, anastasia.millicker@patch.com

Over the years community policing has changed, Capt. Darren McConnell said.

Modern methods of police work have pulled police off of the streets, put them in cruisers, not just in Red Bank but all over the country. The cost of this method is the ability to foster a better relationship and interaction with the community, McConnell said. This is what National Night Out looks to change.

"It's really just to bring the community out and to give them a chance to see the police department in a different light than they might usually see them," McConnell said.

On Tuesday, Red Bank Police Department hosted its Night Out designed to help encourage crime prevention by building trust between police departments and the communities they serve. With information booths, free food and refreshments, and family activities, officers, out of their uniforms and in casual wear, mingled with members of the community.

Red Bank Police were joined by the borough's Parks and Recreation, Red Bank Senior Center, Red Bank Public Library, Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Red Bank Safe Routes Group, 180 Turning Lives Around, YMCA, Visiting Nurses Association, and Red Bank Family Resource Center. The local PBA and Super Foodtown of Red Bank supplied food and refreshments to attendees.

The Red Bank Fire Department was also hand to give children an opportunity to put out their own imaginary fire with a fire hose and crew member assistance.