The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is inviting locals to attend this year’s National Night Out (NNO) event at City Hall on Tuesday evening.
Police departments all over the country participate in the annual event, which has a goal to promote “police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie aimed at making our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live,” according to information provided by the City of Santa Monica. “NNO enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.”
This year’s NNO theme, “behind the badge,” is focused on introducing residents to the officers of the SMPD — “Be it hanging out with our car buffs and the vintage police car, or playing soccer with some of our officers that serve double duty as coaches on their days off, there is something for everyone!”
The evening’s activities include seeing various police vehicles and equipment, plus meeting officers and police dogs. There will also be music, food, lawn games, photo ops and more.
SMPD Chief Ramon Batista, who was sworn in on Oct. 18, 2021, will be making his appearance at his first Santa Monica NNO on Tuesday.
The event is sponsored by the Santa Monica Police Officers’ Association, 7-11, Shasta, Boston Properties, Harmony Mediation Partners, LLC and the Santa Monica Fire Firefighters, Local #1109.
NNO takes place outside City Hall and is scheduled to run for three hours, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, with free parking at the Civic Parking Structure (although “sustainable transportation options are encouraged,” per the City of Santa Monica statement). The city expected an attendance of around 1,000 “community members and stakeholders” at the free event.
emily@smdp.com
