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When many people have interactions with local law enforcement, it may not be under the best of circumstances. It could come with a speeding ticket, a car accident or, heaven forbid, something worse.
So it's good when officers have the opportunity to interact with the public under rosier conditions, like they were able to do Tuesday night with the National Night Out. All across the country, law enforcement agencies used that night to meet with the public, show them what they do and how they do it, and give them a better understanding of how officers go about their days.
"It's become an annual tradition – people have come to know to look for this the first Tuesday in August," Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger said. "We really value our community partnerships, and that's what it's all about. We're happy to host this."
At Wheeling Park, the Wheeling Police Department offered K-9 demonstrations, drone demonstrations and the opportunity to get a closer look at tactical gear and other equipment.
Events like these help strengthen the bonds between community and law enforcement, which should lead to stronger relationships down the line.
"It's always good to get to know the people who we're protecting, and we've said it 100 times – we can't do our jobs without the good folks in the community helping us, and vice versa," said Wheeling Police Department Deputy Chief Josh Sanders. "It's good to have that harmony and to work together."
That harmony should lead to safer communities.