By Thomas Tracy
Cops put out an All Points Bulletin on fun — and dozens of Marine Park residents answered the call.
The 63rd Precinct’s annual National Night Out Against Crime celebration last Tuesday in Marine Park was a stunning success, and everyone involved was arrested by the evening’s wide variety of activities, food and heaping helpings of police-community understanding.
National Night Out Against Crime events were created in 1983 so residents could “take back the night” with cops protecting them from a growing criminal element. The events, held in communities throughout the country, were designed to heighten crime prevention awareness.
But Brooklyn was a different place back when President Reagan was in the White House: in the 1980s, people celebrated National Night Out Against Crime with parades and vigils that told criminals their shenanigans weren’t going to be tolerated anymore.
Marine Park’s National Night Out Against Crime celebration, which was held at the corner of Avenue U and East 33rd Street, exhibited more of a summer block party flavor, with plenty of food and games for local children.
For many, National Night Out Against Crime has become a yearly bonding ritual between Brooklynites and the cops who protect them, Lt. James Woods, the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South’s community affairs division, explained.
“On National Night Out the community show that they appreciate the police’s efforts and, vice versa, cops show their love of the community,” Woods said. “At the same time, kids are able to see police officers doing things other than arresting people.”
