Hampton Roads police departments gear up for National Night Out
Police departments and communities across Hampton Roads are gearing up to say “No” to crime Tuesday as they celebrate National Night Out.
The annual nationwide event, which has been on the first Tuesday of August annually since 1984, promotes police-community partnerships while raising awareness about crime-prevention resources, such as substance abuse prevention, neighborhood watch, and youth programs.
Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, what began as neighbors turning on their porch lights and locking vehicle doors has grown into grown into block parties with food, live music and games, all aimed at uniting police officers and the community against crime.
“Events like this help us all come together as one community,” said Victoria Varnedoe, spokesperson for Portsmouth Police Department. “It will help us better communicate with community members, so they can see us as more than just the uniform. We are residents here, we are employees here, and we are people, too.”
Interested in attending a National Night Out event? Look for events nearest to you from the list below.
Chesapeake
Chesapeake Police Department will attend more than 20 private National Night Out events in neighborhoods across the city.
One public event will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the soccer fields in the 100 block of North George Washington Highway.
Guests can enjoy food and watch educational demonstrations provided by the Chesapeake police and fire departments. The event is hosted by the Deep Creek Ruritan Club.
Hampton
In partnership with local civic leagues, Hampton Police Department will visit three communities: Pasture Point, Hampton Woods Townhomes and Malvern neighborhood. National Night Out events take place from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday.
Newport News
Newport News Police Department will host a brief kick-off ceremony at 4 p.m. at police headquarters on Jefferson Avenue. At the ceremony, a list of the night’s events will be distributed.
Newport News Public Library will host three National Night Out events at its branches Tuesday night. Events will run from 5-7 p.m. at Pearl Bailey Library and Main Street Library, with music, games, face painting and more.
A third party held at Grissom Library will run from 6:30-7:30 p.m. At Grissom Library, attendees can participate in an interactive steel drum musical event between games, crafts and conversations with Newport News police officers.
Norfolk
Norfolk Police Department and the Huntersville Civic League have teamed up to host this year’s National Night Out. Community members can gather at the Huntersville Recreation Center on Goff Street from 6-8 p.m.
During the event, those in attendance can meet local police officers, as well as Norfolk Sheriff’s Office deputies, and connect with resources that provide employment and housing opportunities. The family-friendly event will feature an armored vehicle display and a “bomb robot” demonstration by Norfolk Police Department’s Special Operations Team.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Police Department’s National Night Out event will be held from 4-8 p.m. at the Portsmouth City Park on Cpl. JM Williams Avenue. Also participating will be Portsmouth Fire Department and the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office.
Four hours of festivities will kick off at 4 p.m. with a first responder touch-a-truck parade, followed by live music by the Better By Tuesday Band at 4:30. Those in attendance can also enjoy food truck cuisine, a bubble station, a dunk tank and pie throwing booth, face painting and raffles.
Throughout the event, those in attendance can connect with necessary resources, including health exams, COVID-19 vaccinations, employment opportunities, and youth programs, while they mingle with Portsmouth’s first responders.
“We will have several resources from around the city that will be there to help residents learn more about what is available to them,” Varnedoe said. “It will also give them a chance to really interact with their local government.”
Participating vendors include: Stop the Violence 757, Portsmouth Humane, Thrive Church and the Effingham Street YMCA.
Suffolk
Suffolk’s National Night Out will kick-off with a ceremony at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Following the ceremony, seven motorcade units will venture out across the city to participate in one of the 19 registered parties taking place.
Participating Suffolk communities will host cook-outs, kids’ activities, petting zoos, police K-9 team demonstrations, movie nights and more.
One of the main events of the night will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. at King’s Fork High School on King’s Fork Road. The event will feature a health fair and performances by the high school band and cheerleaders and the Allonge Dance Academy.
Virginia Beach
More than a dozen Virginia Beach neighborhoods across the police department’s four precincts will host National Night Out activities Tuesday night.
Those planning to attend the 5 p.m. event at Green Run High School on Dahlia Drive are encouraged to wear their best hero costume for a chance to win a prize. The red and white Power Rangers and the Ghostbusters will make a special appearance during the event.
Other participating neighborhoods will feature games, food trucks and music. Check the police department’s Facebook event page for a list of participating neighborhoods and event times.
Caitlyn Burchett, 727-267-6059, caitlyn.burchett@virginiamedia.com
