PHOTOS BY LEA KAHN/STAFF PHOTOS BY LEA KAHN/STAFF They could sit inside a HUMVEE belonging to the New Jersey Army National Guard, which was one of many groups that set up tables along the perimeter of the event. National Night Out also allowed children to explore a patrol car and a fire truck. It is more important than ever to maintain a relationship between the police and the community,” Longo said. “With our turnout, it just proves there is a good relationship between the community and the police department. Police Chief Christopher Longo said National Night Out is a great event that brings out the community to meet with police officers. Vehicles that could not find a parking space were sprawled on the grass and on at least one surrounding street. National Night Out has been held in cities and towns across the United States on the first Tuesday in August since 1984.Īlthough it was impossible to determine how many people turned out for the township’s National Night Out, the parking lot was filled. The goal of National Night Out is to forge a bond between local police and the residents they serve, according to the National Association of Town Watch. The majority of police are okay, and that’s important,” McGill said. “It’s nice that the police department does something so people get to know the police in the area. I like the music, and the people are very friendly. 1 on the front lawn of the Lawrence Township Municipal Complex. Rachel McGill is another “regular” at National Night Out, which was held Aug.

Father and daughter sat cross-legged underneath a tree, enjoying the food prepared by Lawrence Township police officers. “We come every year with family and friends,” said Curtis Houston, Cecilia’s father.

Lawrence township police