By Lookout Staff

July 27, 2022 -- More than 1,000 residents are expected to gather in front of City Hall next Tuesday to celebrate National Night Out (NNO).

The celebration returns to City Hall after it was transformed last year into a “block party” style event spread out in ten different locations across the City.

Next month's annual "community-building campaign" will mark the first mass gathering since 2019, before the coronavirus emergency shut down the city, police officials said.

Launched in 1984, the event -- whose theme this year is “Behind the Badge” -- is attended my millions of residents in every state, U.S. Territory and military base around the world.

"NNO enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community," event organizers said.

The event is "aimed at making our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live."

Other city divisions will join the celebration, which gives residents a chance to get to know the men and women who serve their city.

"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," organizers said.

Along with showcasing SMPD's various police vehicles and equipment and meeting police personnel -- "human and 4-legged alike" -- attendees can enjoy music, food, and family-friendly activities, including lawn games, an inflatable obstacle course and photo ops.

Free parking will be available in the Civic Center Parking Structure directly across the street from the Public Safety Building at 330 Olympic Drive.

For more information and event news visit SMPD's Facebook and Instagram pages, follow the Department on Twitter or call the Community Affairs unit at 310.458.8474.