The event allows police officers to connect with community members and garner support for the city’s annual National Night Out event in August, said Alicia Gallagher, the department’s media and communications specialist.
This year’s party will include free food, free items from various vendors, games and live music from the Steph Cash Band led by Cedar Park Police Officer Steph Cash at the Cedar Park Police Department from 5-8 p.m.
“It’s a night of fun, free food, music and games, and allows us just another way to connect with the community,” Gallagher said.
The backstory
The National Night Out campaign was launched by the National Association of Town Watch in 1984 to encourage communities to build relationships with their law enforcement officers.
Communities across the nation hold National Night Out events on the first Tuesday in August each year. Over 16,000 communities participated in National Night Out in 2022, according to the National Association of Town Watch.
What you need to know
The 2023 National Night Out event will take place Aug. 1. Cedar Park residents are encouraged to host block parties with their neighbors where Cedar Park Police officers will stop by and mingle, Gallagher said.
The event is intended to do the following, according to the city:
- Raise drug and crime awareness
- Garner support and participation for local anti-crime programs
- Bolster partnerships between police officers and community members
- Display that Cedar Park neighborhoods are organizing and fighting against crime