The Monroe Township Police Department held its National Night Out on Oct. 6 after postponing it in August due to COVID-19.
“It was something we wanted to do for our community,” said Monroe Township Police Chief David Dailey. “We wanted to try to get a sense of normalcy back.”
Officers and residents of the community gathered at the Holiday City Clubhouse around 3 p.m. to participate in the event, at which more than 16 officers offered open communication with residents of Monroe Township. Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Ryan Borkowski helped determine where officers would be stationed and came up with ideas on how to keep residents safe.
Festivities started with department members who spoke about National Night Out and explained that it originated as an opportunity for residents to meet personally with law enforcement to talk about issues.
“We talked about the concept of National night Out, about putting officers out into the community and our thought process with COVID restrictions,” Dailey said. “Instead of having one central location where everyone comes to us, we were going to go out into the community.”
The officers were stationed in four small groups to allow personal conversations with residents and keep the latter safe from COVID-19. Topics of discussion included what residents should do when concerned about a suspicious vehicle and concerns about traffic issues such as speeding.
“Some spots were light, and we expected that,” Dailey noted. “Some areas we got a little more than we expected, which was good. We really just wanted to do something for the community.”
The Night Out also showcased two K9 demonstrations, where officers spoke to residents about many different aspects of police canine training. The demonstration included obedience skills, article detection, narcotics detection and apprehension of suspects. One demonstration was done at the beginning of the evening and another at the conclusion.
Residents of the community later reconvened with officers at Friendly Village and received informational pamphlets and goody bags with pens that double as hand sanitizers.
During the rest of October, police officers will show their support for those fighting breast cancer by wearing pink as part of their uniform, as well as pink pins.
The department is also preparing for No-Shave November, where officers are given the opportunity to grow out facial hair and donate money to Men’s Health Awareness Month. The Fraternal Order of Police will make a donation at the end of the month.
