Hundreds of people gathered in a festival atmosphere for New Britain’s 2017 National Night Out. The 2017 National Night Out was held in Central Park.
A large grill cooked up hamburgers by the dozen, while music played and children bounced playfully inside large inflatables. The weather was warm and the mood was upbeat at the event, sponsored by the New Britain Police Department.
The New Britain event was one of many of similar events throughout the country.  The National Night Out website says,
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.
In addition to food, children were invited to sit inside a police cruiser, have their pictures taken in a SWAT vehicle, meet the New Britain Police K-9 dogs and watch a motorcycle demonstration. Numerous booths had information and services for the public from various agencies, churches and businesses.
