National Night Out Event in San Fernando
The San Fernando Police Department recently hosted its annual National Night Out gathering, focusing on crime and drug prevention awareness, safety, and renewing neighborhood police-community relationships.
A Celebration of Relationships
San Fernando Police Chief Fabian Valdez sees the annual event as a chance to build relationships with the people he serves. "National Night Out is a celebration, a celebration of relationships, a celebration of the relationship between the San Fernando Police Department and the San Fernando community," he said.
A Strong Relationship with the Community
The small city of about 25,000 was incorporated in 1911 and is about 2.4 square miles. Valdez said the police department enjoys a strong relationship with residents: "The constant theme is, ‘We want to see more of you. We want to see more patrols.’ I think it speaks volumes as to the level of commitment the community has towards its police department," he said.
Addressing Quality of Life Issues
In Valdez’ view, "The community and community stakeholders understand that a safe community is a vibrant community, supports its youth, and it’s a great place for young people to grow up. And that is our goal at the police department here, is to address quality of life issues, address crime so that San Fernando can be the community we all know it can be."
Demonstrations and Q&A Session
Valdez and SFPD officers mingled in the crowd, shaking hands, placing badge stickers on children and answering questions. One highlight of the night was a demonstration by officers of a "high-risk" or "felony" stop to show the public the procedure up close and safely.
K-9 Officer Nicholas Murillo and dog Renz took the stage, demonstrating how a police dog would be used to subdue a noncompliant suspect. Renz jumped into a vehicle, biting onto the protective suit worn by the officer, who was acting as a suspect. Renz pulled him from the vehicle, allowing officers to take him into custody.
After the demonstrations, officers answered questions about what they did, tactics, weapons, procedures and anything the public wanted to ask. Children holding free toys took photos with officers and asked them questions about being a police officer. Maybe one day in the distant future, some will choose to go into law enforcement.
Conclusion
The National Night Out event is a celebration of the relationships between the San Fernando Police Department and the community, with a focus on crime and drug prevention awareness, safety, and addressing quality of life issues. The event provides an opportunity for the public to interact with police officers, ask questions, and learn more about the procedures and tactics used by law enforcement.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the National Night Out event?
A: The National Night Out event is to focus on crime and drug prevention awareness, safety, and renewing neighborhood police-community relationships.
Q: What kind of activities and demonstrations were held during the event?
A: The event included demonstrations of police procedures, such as high-risk stops and K-9 demonstrations, as well as Q&A sessions with police officers.
Q: Was the event open to the public?
A: Yes, the event was open to the public, with free activities for children and booths with information from local government and non-profit agencies.
Q: Why is the San Fernando Police Department committed to building strong relationships with the community?
A: The police department believes that a strong relationship with the community is key to addressing quality of life issues and ensuring public safety.
