Indy neighborhoods hold “National Night Out” events INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Thousands of National Night Out events are held across the U.S. on the first Tuesday in August. While none are exactly the same, they share one thing in common: connection between citizens and law enforcement. On Tuesday, several communities across Central Indiana held their own National night out events, including Indy’s Shelton Heights neighborhood, where IMPD Chief Tanya Terry and several other officers visited with residents. “Our officers that are on patrol answering calls for 911, are answering those calls because people are in distress,” Terry said. “When they get a chance to come out on nights like this, they’re not encountering people when they’re in distress. They’re encountering people in a positive environment. The setting is more relaxed and they’re able to really have a human connection that sometimes we don’t always have the opportunity to have in the middle of a 911 call or an emergency.” Debbie Parish, Park Director for Shelton Heights Park, added that the events help community members get to know each other also. “If you don’t know your neighbors, then crime’s going to go higher,” Parish said. “This gets the neighbors together. It gives them something to do. They get to know each other, and that helps keep down crime.” Jeremy Kranowitz, President CEO, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, added, “In the current day and time, we need more of these types of activities, where we can come outside and greet each other and be like Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The Shelton Heights event included free hot dogs and games like cornhole and giant connect four. There was also free school supplies available for kids. Kyleigh King, a 6th grader said, “I got notebooks, pens, markers, folders, a backpack.” In addition to multiple Indianapolis neighborhoods, adjacent communities like Noblesville and Westfield also held National Night Out events on Tuesday. Kim Howard, who brought her family to the Westfield National Night Out, said, “We got the free hot dogs, the cookies, the free popcorn… so (it’s) already a success. And we’re headed to the bouncy houses… The world can be heavy but this is a great opportunity for families and probably anyone, even if you’re not a family, to just come and hang out and enjoy your local community and have a lot of fun things to do.” News 8’s Reporter Justin Razavi with IMPD Chief Tanya Terry and several IMPD officers at National Night Out. (WISH Photo) ...read more read less