City officials, NYPD officers, and Harlem residents from the 32nd precinct gathered on Tuesday evening to participate in National Night Out, an annual event designed to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and local communities.
National Night Out, a nationwide initiative started in 1984, aims to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood safety. Each year, cities across the country host events on the first Tuesday of August, turning streets and public spaces into hubs for food, music, youth activities, and public safety outreach. The goal of the event is to foster connection and trust between neighbors and police.
Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch attended the Harlem gathering, where they greeted residents and thanked the officers. In a short speech, Adams praised the NYPD’s efforts to curb gun violence and promote safety across the five boroughs.
“It’s about showing that our streets belong to the people of the city,” Adams said. “We come out and lift up our community and lift up our law enforcement men and women,” Adams added.
The mayor pointed to recent drops in crime and credited new strategies within the department, saying the city has seen significant progress in public safety. “The police commissioner, her team—they have done an amazing job of driving down crime,” Adams noted, noting that these past seven months, they’ve had the lowest number of shootings and shooting victims in the recorded history of the city.
Adams also emphasized the importance of city-run youth programs in promoting long-term public safety. He highlighted initiatives such as Summer Youth Employment, Summer Rising, universal afterschool programs, pre-K, and late-night basketball, framing them as investments in opportunity and community stability.
“Law enforcement is not just apprehension. Law enforcement is lifting up New Yorkers in general—but specifically our young people—and creating a safe place for our city so they can develop their full personhood,” Adams said.
He also encouraged young people at the event to consider pursuing careers in public service. “Join the NYPD, have an excellent career of giving back,” he said, referring to Officer Didarul Islam, an NYPD officer who died last week while responding to a Midtown shooting. Adams added that Officer Islam “gave back to the city he loved.”
Alongside speeches and music, organizations offering services, resources, and food lined up the block. Kylee Ridgins, a peer navigator with WARM, said the group came out to raise awareness about support for people facing domestic violence. “We help women, men—everyone—who is going through domestic violence,” she said. WARM helps domestic abuse survivors by offering services such as pro bono lawyers, court advocacy, and holistic services like meditation, yoga, and massage therapy.
She said that the meaning of the event is “understanding that we’re protected and that we are a community overall.”
The group spoke with dozens of attendees. “We’ve had six or seven pages already filled,” Ridgins said. She added that “We’re definitely here to serve.”
Nearby, Dolores Fraser walked around the event, learning more about the different organizations participating. “This is a community activity,” she said. “You see what the police are doing, the different organizations that are present here, and what they’ve done.”
Fraser noted that her favorite part of the event was “Just being amongst the people—You get a chance to say hi to somebody.”
The Salvation Army also returned this year with snacks and community information. “We’re here handing out hot dogs, chips, juice, and information about the services we offer for the community,” said DeBrekah Simms, a member of the organization. Simms noted that as members of the community, “It’s important that we are taking part in what is happening.”
City agencies set up booths throughout the evening to share public programs. Shatia Burks, Executive Assistant Commissioner at the Department of Probation, said the Neighborhood Opportunity Network was there to spread the word about job training, cooking programs, and sports.
“This actually is my eighth National Night Out,” Burks said. “I love the atmosphere.”
For Community Affairs volunteer Harriette Hooper, the event provided an opportunity to break down barriers. “I’m glad to be a part of giving back to my community,” she said. “We can communicate. Don’t stand back. We can connect,” Hooper said when referring to the event’s purpose and organizers’ goals.
Bertha Rohlsen, who has attended National Night Out for years, echoed the spirit of the event.
“A lot of times, we’re so easy to point fingers and complain, but they’re doing a great job,” Rohlsen said. “The most important thing is that we get together—come together.”
