National Night Out seeks to connect police, public

ROCHESTER - With officer-involved shootings and racially charged law enforcement incidents grabbing headlines nationwide, Rochester Police agree that this year's National Night Out and other positive community events that build relationship and trust between officers and the public they serve become even more of a link vital to public safety.

"It's extremely important, especially in light of everything that is happening nationally," said Rochester Police Capt. Gary Boudreau on Friday. "Becoming connected with the community is huge."

This year's National Night Out in Rochester will take place Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. in the Union Street Parking Lot. The event is billed as part of a national celebration held throughout the United States to promote crime prevention and substance free community programming.

But it's much more than that, Boudreau said.

"We want to interact with people on good terms, so when something happens they know us, they trust us," Boudreau said. "It's a night to get community, neighborhoods to come out and interact with the police, a community outreach so they can see us in nonthreatening roles."

The evening entertainment will run the gamut, with dance exhibitions by young people from Studio 109 and Corrine's School of Dance as well as a doughnut-eating contest put on by Rochester Police.

There will also be a Tae Kwon Do demonstration by Ms. B's Studio. Local vocalist Dan Masterson will also perform.

Food items will include root beer floats, popcorn and cotton candy along with other food vendors.

A sure favorite for youngsters will be the Kid Zone, sponsored this year by Rochester's Rotary Club. The Kid Zone will feature a bounce house and several other games.

The Rochester Fire Department's Smokehouse and several public safety vehicles will be on display from Rochester Police, State Police, Liquor Enforcement and the Strafford County Sheriff's Department.

The national sponsor, Kohl's, and the local sponsor, Rochester Rotary, made generous donations toward making the evening free.

Many community partners and volunteers also aided the effort, according to a Rochester Police press release.