KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — National Night Out events were held all over the city of Kalamazoo on Tuesday, and they were better attended this year than in the last few years.
It may be because police and community relations have become a national and a local issue this year.
Max Tibbetts with the Stuart Avenue Association said neighbors-knowing-neighbors has paid off in their area. He said events like last night and other efforts to introduce neighbors with each other have resulted in one of the lowest crime rates in the city.
A picnic for neighbors was also held in the small park at Elm and West Main streets. It was a very different vibe just a few blocks away at the Northside Association for Community Development — much more of a party atmosphere with a lot more children.
Kalamazoo Public Safety Detective Sgt. William Moore said National Night Out events are important because it gives officers a chance to be themselves and to get to know residents.
