REDMOND, OR -- A number of local agencies will participate in National Night Out Tuesday evening. It’s an annual event aimed at helping people connect with local law enforcement and learn about crime prevention. But Redmond Police Lt. Jesse Petersen says officers also benefit, "What we’ve seen in the past is after National Night out, the morale for our department has gone up significantly for at least a few weeks. And it’s because we get to see the people who enjoy seeing us, want to meet us, and it’s just a good time." The event was held virtually in 2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic. 

The national event is held each year on the first Tuesday in August. Redmond’s National Night Out starts at 6 p.m. at Centennial Park. Lt. Petersen tells KBND News, "You’ll see the vast majority of our police department out for this event. So, we’ll have us, along with the Sheriff’s Office just interacting with people, talking about crime prevention and awareness. We’ll have a K9 demonstration that takes place over by the splash park." He adds, "We’ll have community partners there with booths, so you will be able to talk about crime prevention and awareness. We’ll also have a free bar-b-q, you’ll have bouncy houses, all kinds of kids activities, you’ll have a dunk tank." Along with RPD and the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Redmond Fire & Rescue will also take part. Streets around Centennial Park are cloesd to vehicle traffic during the event.

Deschutes County deputies will also be at events in La Pine, at the Senior Center and Sisters, in Village Green Park. All events are free and run from 6 to 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy Redmond PD