Yesterday, Virginia officials celebrated National Night Out, a once-a-year event that brings the law enforcement community and the people they protect closer together.
National Night Out aims for the police and the community to come together to try to build bridges. According to the National Night Out website, “National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances,” the event’s website says.
Governor Glenn Youngkin traveled to his hometown of Virginia Beach to attend National Night Out.
“We have got a real challenge in the Commonwealth and across the country right now with violent crime on the rise. A 20-year high murder rate. So to see a community come together like this is so important,” Youngkin told News 3’s Leondra Head.
Youngkin said this is a way for police to build community relations.
“When you see a community come together like this tonight on National Night Out, it is so important that everybody locks arms together and makes a community commitment to bring crime down,” Youngkin said.
Today marks 39 years of #NationalNightOut! Across the Commonwealth, communities and law enforcement have come together to grow their strong relationships and shared commitment to keeping everyone safe. Making our neighborhoods safer is critical! pic.twitter.com/K1WYo96Q9k
— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) August 2, 2022
Virginia’s Attorney General Jason Miyares joined Youngkin in attending the Virginia Beach celebrations, and highlighted the importance of community-police relations.
My team at the Office of Attorney General was out in full force yesterday, celebrating National Night Out across the Commonwealth. From Salem to Frederick County and places in-between, we joined local law enforcement and the communities they serve. pic.twitter.com/EV96vCcuiz
— Jason Miyares (@JasonMiyaresVA) August 3, 2022
The importance of community-police relations cannot be overstated.
So glad I could be home in Virginia Beach last night to celebrate National Night Out with the brave men and women who keep our communities safe! pic.twitter.com/MRPtEcLbVU
— Jason Miyares (@JasonMiyaresVA) August 3, 2022
GOP Congressional hopefuls Hung Cao (VA-10) and Jen Kiggans (VA-10) also attended the celebrations in their respective districts, both celebrating their local law enforcement, and the community that supports them.
Beautiful night for #VA10 residents and our law enforcement professionals to come together and support each other. Thank you to our police and first responders! #NationalNightOut pic.twitter.com/LNhJlrNjoW
— Hung Cao (@HungCao_VA) August 3, 2022
Thank you to everyone who came to the Green Run Homes Association’s National Night Out…. and a special thank you to our law enforcement officers and first responders for their support! Such a great crowd out to promote community safety and meet neighbors! #GreenRun #NatNightOut pic.twitter.com/Yhop4cJ32L
— Jen Kiggans (@JenKiggans) August 3, 2022
In a time when law enforcement if facing officer shortages and spikes in violent crime, if is fantastic to see all of Virginias key officials come together to support those who serve and protect our communities.