Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris says the two hours residents will spend together with first responders in a city park next week will likely pay off throughout the year.
The Police Department will host its 30th annual National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jefferson Park, 1501 E. Villa St. Police and park officers and Pasadena firefighters and paramedics will be there to meet and greet community members. The event will feature games and activities, giveaways and community resources, according to a department announcement.
“My hope is that National Night Out strengthens relationships that continue long after the event is over,” Harris told Pasadena Now. “When officers and community members know each other, communication improves, trust grows, and people feel more comfortable working together to solve problems. Those connections make our neighborhoods safer and stronger throughout the year.”
His conclusion rests on a distinction Harris draws between calls for service and everyday contact.
“Trust isn’t built during emergencies — it’s built through everyday conversations and positive interactions,” he said.
“National Night Out gives our officers and community members the opportunity to connect outside of calls for service. When people have the chance to meet the officers who serve their neighborhoods, ask questions, and simply spend time together, those relationships grow stronger. Events like this remind us that we’re all working toward the same goal, a safe, welcoming community for everyone.”
The gathering is Pasadena’s local edition of a nationwide campaign that brings residents and police and firefighters together to strengthen neighborhood ties. This year’s event, built around the theme of police-community partnerships, marks three decades of the city’s participation. Harris said the anniversary is a testament to that partnership.
“Reaching 30 years is a testament to the strong partnership we’ve built with our community,” he said. “National Night Out has never been just another event on the calendar — it’s an opportunity for neighbors, businesses, community organizations, and our police officers to come together in a relaxed setting and get to know one another. Those relationships are the foundation of public safety. For three decades, Pasadena has shown that when we work together, we’re stronger, safer, and more connected.”
City partners including the Public Library, Water and Power, the Pasadena Federal Credit Union, Waste Management, Public Health and the Citizen’s Service Center take part.
Harris said the location is meant to be accessible and welcoming.
“We’re excited about bringing the National Night Out to Jefferson Park because we want this event to be accessible and welcoming to everyone in our community,” he said. “Jefferson Park is a beautiful gathering place, and hosting the event there reflects our commitment to meeting people where they are. We hope it sends a clear message that the Pasadena Police Department is committed to being present, approachable, and engaged in every neighborhood throughout our city.”
Asked what he would tell someone who has never attended, Harris said: “I would tell them to come as they are and bring the whole family. National Night Out is a fun evening where you can meet the officers who serve your community, learn about the many programs and resources available through the Police Department, and connect with your neighbors. It’s a chance to see that policing is about people and partnerships. We want everyone to feel welcome, and we hope they leave knowing that we’re here to serve them.”
National Night Out is held across the country on the first Tuesday of August. The campaign was established in 1984 by Matt Peskin and is run by the National Association of Town Watch, with the goal of strengthening police-community partnerships and neighborhood ties and fostering safer, more connected communities.
“NNO kind of represents the fabric of our country,” Peskin said in an interview on the campaign’s origins.
He has described the program as more than symbolic. “This is not ‘Kiss a Cop Day’ or something like that,” he said. “It’s a program that really makes a difference. It’s a lot of fun to put together, it reaches deep into the neighborhood — and community-building, and it works.”
Residents seeking more information can contact Program Coordinator Ena Kessler at ekessler@cityofpasadena.net or (626) 744-4551. Those needing an accommodation can call (626) 744-7311 or email CSC@CityOfPasadena.net; providing at least 72 hours’ notice helps ensure availability.
The Aug. 4 gathering at Jefferson Park is open to the entire community.
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