BEND, OR -- Local law enforcement agencies host National Night Out events Tuesday. Sheila Miller, with Bend Police, tells KBND News, "These things happen all over the country. It’s designed to encourage relationships between police and our community members." She adds, "Police officers spend a lot of time showing up in your worst moment, so it’s always nice to be able to see people where there’s not safety as much on the line. You can understand they are humans, even when they’re wearing those uniforms."

BPD's event will be at the Bend High fields from 4-8 p.m., "And we’ve got a ton of fun things planned: we’ve got a pie eating contest, there will be a DJ, lawn games, all kinds of stuff," says Miller, "Including some police specialty units like the drone programs and the K9s will be out, so people can see how those different units work."

In Redmond, Schools Superintendent Dr. Charan Cline says he’s taking part in the fun, "Somehow or another, the police chief talked me into hanging out in the dunk tank this year. I think they’ve got me in there from 6:30 to 7. That’ll be fun, so if you want to dunk the Superintendent, here’s a great opportunity for you. I know the police chief spends a little time in there as well. I don’t know if they’ve talked the Mayor into it or not, but it’s kind of a fun thing to do."

Redmond’s National Night Out is expected to be the city’s largest ever. It’s at Centennial Park from 6-8 p.m. and will feature a live performance from the band Precious Byrd. There’s also face painting, bounce-houses and other family activities. 

Other Central Oregon communities also have events planned, including two hosted by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office in La Pine, at the La Pine Senior Center and at Village Green Park in Sisters. National Night Out is always the first Tuesday in August. This is its 40th year.