Law enforcement across the Houston area will be out on Tuesday night, meeting with residents for the 40th annual National Night Out. The yearly event is an effort to establish a community relationship with Houston-area law enforcement.
Several districts throughout the city of Houston will be hosting community events Tuesday evening along with local law enforcement.
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner says National Night Out is an example of how police and community members can come together to build trust.
"It's an opportunity for us to come together even closer, have a good time, have good food, but partner up against those violent individuals and our city and our county," Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez echoed that sentiment. He said the event is a time to celebrate communities and what it means to be a good neighbor.
“The sheriff’s office and the constables' offices are active in your neighborhoods keeping your families neighbors and visitors safe,” Gonzalez said. “For us, every night is national night out."
Gonzalez added that residents play a critical role in keeping communities safe.
“We know that our communities are safer when they are patrolled by deputies and constables [that] people recognize and trust,” Gonzalez said. “Public safety is a shared responsibility. You play a critical role in keeping your community safe and we rely on you to be your neighborhood’s extra eyes and ears.”
This year's festivities come 40 years after the first-ever National Night Out event was held in August of 1984. The state of Texas and select areas celebrate the first Tuesday in October.
Lucio Vasquez contributed to this report.
