On Tuesday, Aug. 1, the annual National Night Out Against Crime event returned to the many NYPD precincts in Queens and across New York City.
The National Night Out Against Crime celebrated 40 years since it was established by Matt Peskin in Philadelphia in 1984. Back then, the event was celebrated on the front porches of 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.
Since then, National Night Out Against Crime has grown to thousands of communities in all 50 states with precinct-hosted block parties, crime prevention information, and other festivities for all ages.
Mayor Eric Adams tweeted that this occasion isn’t just one night in New York City, noting that it is practiced year round.
“Bringing government, police and community together to keep out streets safe is what we do,” Adams tweeted. “We share the responsibility and we sure the love of our city.”
See how your precinct celebrated National Night:
100th Precinct (Rockaway Beach)
The 100th Precinct in Rockaway Beach began festivities shortly after 4 p.m. in the parking lot between Beach 94th Street and Beach 95th Street and continued until 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening.
Co-sponsored by the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the 100th Precinct’s National Night Out event was hosted by the 100th Precinct Community Council with support from Call-A-Head Corp., Deirdre Maeve’s Supermarket in Breezy Point, the Far Rockaway Arverne Nonprofit Coalition and the Fund for the City of New York.
Tables at the event included information and handouts from NYC Parks, the New York State Police, St. John’s Episcopal Hospital and Millennium Development, with pickleball equipment on site for families to learn how to play the sport. Attendees also enjoyed other offerings at the event, including face painting, basketball, karate lessons and zumba dancing.
The longest lines of the night came at the many bounce houses and inflatables for the community’s youngest to enjoy as well as various food booths, offering a tasty assortment of hotdogs, hamburgers, snow cones, cotton candy and popcorn.
As per tradition, the 100th Precinct Community Council held an award ceremony during the event to honor the precinct’s officers and accomplishments over the last year.
The festivities continued shortly after with a performance from the “all-star dancers” of the Waterside School on Beach 110th Street.
In addition to the precinct’s many leaders and officers, attendees at the 100th Precinct’s National Night Out event included Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, South Queens Councilwoman Joann Ariola, South Queens Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, NYC Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Transit District 23 Commanding Officer Capt. Waheed Akhter and Patrol Borough Queens South Commanding Officer Kevin Williams.
“[National Night Out Against Crime is] a night where the city can get together and not only talk about law enforcement but also talk about community involvement with law enforcement, promoting trust between the community and the police department and law enforcement including our office,” Katz told QNS.
104th Precinct (Middle Village)
The 104th Precinct’s celebration of National Night Out Against Crime was the most well-attended event in the borough, according to Commanding Officer of the 104th Precinct Deputy Inspector Kevin Coleman.
“In order for us to be most effective, meaning the police, we need the support and cooperation of the public,” said Coleman.
Residents from the neighborhoods of Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Glendale and Ridgewood, joined the 104th Precinct at the National Night Out Against Crime event at Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village.
There were at least 40 different tables set up around the portion of Juniper Valley Park where patrons play basketball and handball off of 80th Street between Juniper Boulevard North and South.
Jon Kablack, president of the 104th Precinct Community Council, kicked off the evening event with a few words on the significance of National Night Out Against Crime and to share in recognition of outstanding individuals who continue contributing to the area.
Pastor Emanuel Grozea was recognized for his community work at the Maranatha Baptist Church. The church was also handing out cool refreshments to patrons all night long. The Glendale Kiwanis Club provided hot dogs.
Assembly member Jenifer Rajkumar, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, Councilman Robert Holden and state Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. were in attendance.
“Programs like this are so crucial to making sure that our streets continue to be safe and that our relationships between our law enforcement and our families and our community leaders are as strong as ever,” Meng said.
Local organizations and civic groups such as the 104th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol, Juniper Park Civic Association, Queensboro UNICO and Kiwanis clubs of Ridgewood and Glendale were out in full force. Representatives from Christ The King High School, various city agencies,and members of the NYPD Auxiliary also attended.
A performance by The Shadetree Mechanics Band made sure to end the night in good spirits.
HAPPENING NOW ❗️
National Night Out Against Crime at Juniper Valley Park!Food, music, giveaways and much more!
We’ll be here ‘til 8!🌭🎶🚔 pic.twitter.com/CUTHAZMokt
— NYPD 104th Precinct (@NYPD104Pct) August 1, 2023
108th Precinct (Long Island City)
At Andrews Grove Park, on 49th Avenue between Vernon Boulevard and 5th Street, families were able to join their local heroes for some fun festivities.
Guests enjoyed a bounce castle, a face-painting station, free food and more!
Food, fun, music, and ☀️. What a great National night out on crime. Thank you to all of the Elected Officials who stopped by and to all who donated and volunteered to make this event the best one yet. 💙 pic.twitter.com/FkC8wXjXlF
— NYPD 108th Precinct (@NYPD108Pct) August 2, 2023
111th Precinct (Douglaston)
At the Douglaston Shopping Center, the community celebrated National Night Out with a scavenger hunt, a hula hoop contest and limbo contest.
Several local leaders attended the celebration, including state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky, state Sen. John Liu, City Council members Sandra Ung and Vickie Paladino and representatives from the offices of U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, Council member Linda Lee, Borough President Donovan Richards and Mayor Eric Adams.
“When I took this precinct over [10 months ago], we were up in crime about 188%,” 111th Precinct Commanding Officer Captain Richard Porto said. “All my cops, detectives, lieutenants and sergeants: those are the ones working for you. All I do is tell them where to go. They’re the reason we’re successful. It can’t be done without the cops, the community and collaboration. My goal before this year is done is to have a reduction of crime.”
112th Precinct (Forest Hills)
The 112th Precinct joined at MacDonald Park, in front of 106-06 Queens Blvd., encouraging all to come out for some fun and games, in hopes of connecting with the communities they serve.
🙌 Huge thanks to Precinct Council President Heidi Chain for hosting an unforgettable National Night Out! 🌟 Your dedication to our community shines bright, and your efforts have brought us all closer together. A night to remember, thanks to your hard work! 👏🎉 pic.twitter.com/kHdoWFPKZ4
— NYPD 112th Precinct (@NYPD112Pct) August 2, 2023
113th Precinct (Jamaica)
Hundreds of southeast Queens residents gathered at Baisley Pond Park in Springfield Gardens on Tuesday enjoying rides, food, giveaways, entertainment and much more.
The 113th Precinct’s new Deputy Inspector Ray A. Jenkins accepted a proclamation from the mayor’s office recognizing their service to the community.
“In the 113th, everyday is National Night Out here. When you look at what’s going on in the 113 South Jamaica Queens, people aren’t getting shot, people aren’t getting robbed, people aren’t following the trend of the city,” Jenkins said. “We’re here to bring crime down, join in partnership, and we have everybody here as a community.”
Elected officials such as City Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers, Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson, and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz commended the 113th Precinct and the Community Council for their work to keep neighborhoods safe.
“Tonight is about celebrating the neighborhood, the community, and a partnership between law enforcement and our young people that are learning more about our neighborhoods and how to be part of it,” Katz said. “We have to make sure our young people know that there are people who believe in their future. Tonight is about building trust and making sure you know the resources are available to you.”
For Garfield Towler, president of the 113th Precinct Community Council, it’s all about building positive relationships between residents and law enforcements who serve the community.
Despite the size of the event and the many new faces that she saw, Rev. Carlene Thorbs, chairperson of Community Board 12, said there’s still many people in the community who weren’t aware of National Night Out at the park.
“This is always a great start and it’s forging great relationships, even amongst the organizations. But I think we have to do an even better job of getting the information out,” Thorbes said. “We have to go door to door. We need a good old fashioned pamphlet at the door.”
115th Precinct (Jackson Heights)
At Northern Playground, between Northern Boulevard and 93rd Street, the 115th Precinct celebrated with their community, enjoying music, food, face painting, bouncy rides and more.
HAPPENING NOW! Come to Northern Park and join us for our annual National Night Out. pic.twitter.com/TGvpKDUBJR
— NYPD 115th Precinct (@NYPD115Pct) August 1, 2023
Additional reporting by Ethan Marshall, Anthony Medina, Carlotta Mohamed and John Schilling.
