North Kansas City Police hold first National Night Out

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – On Friday, the North Kansas City Police Department held its first National Night Out. National Night Out was started in 1984 as a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, according to the organization’s website.

“Really it’s just an opportunity for us to come out, showcase some of our officers, showcase some of the equipment that we use, and let the community come out and interact with us,” said Major Justin Holm, who helped put the event together.

NKCPD brought their K-9s for demonstrations, the SWAT team showcased equipment like the bomb disposal robot, and the police chief and officers sat in the dunk tank. Money raised by the dunk tank went to the Missouri Law Enforcement Funeral Assistance Team.

“I think it’s vital,” said North Kansas City Mayor Bryant DeLong. “Our police are the ones who are in here day in and day out helping protect and serve our community. When you’re doing that, you have to have a close relationship and I think this is vital in building that relationship.”

The sentiment is echoed by Holm.

“Anything the police department does, we can’t do without community support,” said Holm. “So any opportunity we have to strengthen that relationship we have with the community, built trust with the members of our community, whether that be the residents or the people that work in North Kansas City, we don’t want to miss that opportunity.”

The community was also able to meet members of the North Kansas City Fire and Public Works Departments, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and support area businesses.

NKCPD hopes to make this an annual event.

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.