Police, community partner up for 'Night Out'
Podcast Episode
Janesville's National Night Out gives police a chance to make a positive impression on the community. The National Night Out is Tuesday, August 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Janesville Police Department. Kyle Geissler reports. You can read more in Tuesday's Janesville Gazette.
If you go
Who: Janesville Police Department
What: National Night Out
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4. Rain or shine.
Where: Janesville Police Department, 100 N. Jackson St.
JANESVILLE — Having a first-hand experience with a police officer can be frightening for children.
"A lot of times, they don't see officers in a good way and only when someone is hurt or in trouble," said Janesville police officer Chad Sullivan.
That's why Sullivan suggests parents—especially those who have children who think police officers are scary—bring them to the department's annual National Night Out on Aug. 4 "so they can meet us in a different way," he said.
National Night Out is a time for residents to meet police and a way for the officers to interact with the public through food and entertainment and fun, Sullivan said.
The theme of this year's two-hour event is Police-Community Partnerships. Sullivan said that fits because many local businesses and organizations are helping sponsor the night's activities, he said.
The goal "is to get as many people as possible to come and meet us in a fun atmosphere," Sullivan said.
Janesville Fire Department will have equipment on display with firefighters available to answer questions.
The event will spread over two city blocks—the 100 block of North Jackson Street and 200 block of West Wall Street. It has grown from several hundred people in the beginning to more than 1,000 in 2008.
Organizers are preparing for a crowd of up to 1,200 this year, Sullivan said.
In addition to the free food—hot dogs, soda and chips—there will be children's games.
National Night Out activities
Among the information or demonstrations planned for National Night Out on Aug. 4 are:
Neighborhood Watch—Police are recruiting more neighborhoods to participate in this program that brings together law enforcement and residents to keep neighborhoods safe.
SAFE—The two-hour Self-defense, Awareness, Familiarization and Exchange program taught by police officers educates women on how to protect themselves and includes physical training methods.
Fatal Vision—Attendees wear goggles that simulate what it's like to be drunk while trying to walk a straight line and drop a golf ball in a cup.
Special teams—Members of the SWAT and K-9 teams show their skills and equipment. A Taser will be demonstrated to show how a jolt of electricity immobilizes a suspect.
Fingerprinting—Children 3 and older can take home fingerprint kits that help in missing child investigations.
Elks Lodge Drug Awareness Trailer—Drug and alcohol-related information will be available.
Lutheran Social Services—This nonprofit organization will provide details about its runaway and youth services programs.
Foster parents—In addition to sharing information, potential foster parents will be recruited.
Neighborhood Action Teams—Members of the Look West and Fourth Ward neighborhoods will talk about their community projects and give away Frisbees.
YWCA of Rock County—Staff and volunteers offer face painting and washable tattoos.
Girl Scouts, CrimeStoppers and the United Way of North Rock County also will have information booths.
Jul 29, 2009 at 7:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
I agree that it's a great event. It might also encourage careers in law enforcement. What better hero for a child than a police officer?
Jul 28, 2009 at 4:54 p.m.
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I hope we get that great attendance. This is a superb way for the police and citizens to meet and interact.
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