CPD and Columbia Neighborhood Watch Association hold 30th annual “National Night Out” event

Crime continues to be a topic in Columbia, and Tuesday night, officers and residents used the annual “National Night Out” event to reconnect with the community.

The Neighborhood Watch Association set up 13 locations and officers went to each location to talk with residents about crime prevention and awareness.

This came just days after about 40 arrests were made in Columbia by five different departments.

Residents involved with the Neighborhood Watch Association had cookouts and mingled with the officers who are assigned to their areas.

This marks the 30th year for the event and neighbors told ABC 17 News they were happy with the turnout this year.

Officer Melvin Buckner said he came out to talk to residents and find out some of their concerns for their areas.

He said it’s a good way for people to get to know the police officers.

“It’s an opportunity for them to talk to us,” Buckner said. “It’s also an opportunity for us to share with them different crime prevention techniques and it gives us a chance to share what we’ve noticed in their neighborhood.”

One member of the association said this event is designed to send a message to criminals to let them know neighborhoods are prepared and watching out for crime.

Buckner said the next Neighborhood Watch Association training session is September 12th at 7 p.m. at Shepard Elementary.