Mayor Barrett on National Night Out: "We will be a city where we have good police/community relations"
Mayor Barrett on National Night Out: “We will be a city where we have good police/community relations”
Mayor Barrett on National Night Out: "We will be a city where we have good police/community relations"
MILWAUKEE -- Across the country and here in southeastern Wisconsin on Tuesday, August 2nd police and members of the community came together for National Night Out. It was especially important this year, as, in so many places, the relationship between police and residents has been scrutinized.
The message in Milwaukee during National Night Out was that we are strongest when we work together.
"Everybody`s coming together and enjoying themselves," Marie McGinnis said.
McGinnis brought her sons to Lincoln Park in Milwaukee for National Night Out Tuesday -- at a time when police and community relations across the country appear strained.
Mayor Tom Barrett at National Night Out
McGinnis said she wants her sons to grow up knowing that they can turn to law enforcement in times of trouble.
"Go to the police. Call 911," McGinnis said.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett came to Milwaukee's largest party of the night near 35th and Juneau to talk about trust.
National Night Out in Milwaukee
"We can and we will be a city where we have good police/community relations," Barrett said.
National Night Out in Milwaukee
Families pet police horses and mingled with law enforcement officials as Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn appointed a boy named Jaheem an honorary police officer.
"Stay in school and we`ll keep working together," Chief Flynn said. "We`re proud to be your partner. We know we can count on you. You know you can count on us."
Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn at National Night Out
The whole idea behind National Night Out is to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community and drum up participation in anti-crime programs.
"It creates a platform for the police department to engage the residents, but we all can come together and know that we`re in this together," Captain Shunta Boston-Smith with the Milwaukee Police Department said.
The event at Lincoln Park ended at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday -- but a lot of people stayed much longer.
National Night Out in Milwaukee