TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) – A quality partnership between citizens and law enforcement go a long way in helping communities.

You’ll have the chance to meet some of our community’s men in blue Tuesday evening during Night Out, a national event that locally has been held every year since 2010.

The educational and fun event goes from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at City Park.

Twin Falls Police Department, the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, Safe Kids of the Magic Valley and Bureau of Land Management, among others, will be at the park to answer questions and foster community relationships.

During the event, Twin Falls joins hands with communities across the country.

National Night Out started in Philadelphia in 1984 as a crime prevention program that emphasizes building partnerships with local law enforcement and community members.

Twin Falls Police Officer J.P. O’Donnell said having a supportive community helps law enforcement officers be able to do their job more efficiently.

“We live in an area that is very supportive,” he said.

During the event, the local SWAT team, bomb squad and other groups will be at the park to show equipment and vehicles and meet with the general public. There also will be activities for kids and – bring your appetite – hot dogs.

Target, as the main sponsor of the national event, also will be participating. Staff members will be cooking up the meal.

O’Donnell said last year all of the 250 hot dogs were gone by the end of the event, and he hopes to see at least 200 to 300 community members visit this time around. The more, the better.

The event is free.

“It really is a way to foster relationships between us and the community,” he said.

 

 

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