The department estimates some 2000 residents attended to learn more about local law enforcement and other first responders.
Evesham Police Lt. Ronald Ritter knows that in many instances, residents’ interactions with their local police department happen during negative situations, either during motor vehicle stops or when officers are called to a home.
With that in mind, Ritter said it’s all the more important for the department to hold its annual National Night Out to give residents and their families a chance to meet their local police in a more casual, relaxed setting.
Since 1984, communities, police departments and town watch associations across the country have been hosting National Night Out events as a community-policing tool to forge closer bonds between citizens and the law enforcement groups that serve them.
Whether a block party, backyard cookout or festival-like event with games and prizes in a centralized location, National Night Out festivities provide police departments and other local agencies a chance to reach a wide array of residents in their jurisdictions.
This was the sixth year for the Evesham Police Department’s National Night Out, which has grown from 700 attendees in its first year to some 2,000 or more estimated to have attended last night.
Ritter, who coordinated the event, said National Night Out has continued to grow exponentially for the department from year to year, as it’s the only event in the area to his knowledge where families don’t have to spend any money on anything.
“It’s completely done by donations and grant money,” Ritter said. “The organizations that are here are either government agencies, non-profits or commercial businesses that are donating their time and their money to be a part of the event.”
Ritter said the department’s goal is to provide something for all ages, whether it’s residents taking a tour of the police department, kids getting to sit in a truck provided by Evesham Fire-Rescue, teens pedaling a cart while wearing glasses to simulate drunkenness or families gathering to watch a police K-9 demonstration.
“We need to make it fun for families to bring out their little children, but we also need to have things for the adults to do to be able to connect with our officers,” Ritter said. “This isn’t just an event for the little guys. It’s an event for families and residents of all ages.”
According to Ritter, the department hopes residents leave the event knowing its officers are approachable human beings, just like anyone else in town.
“Evesham officers are here to help, and no matter who you are or where you’re from, our officers are here for you,” Ritter said.
Ritter also said he’s proud for the department to have never received a single negative comment from any resident, agency or business that has attended Evesham’s National Night Out in all the years the department has coordinated the event.
“Our officers volunteer to attend this event and be a part of this event because it has such a positive impact on the public,” Ritter said. “Most of the time, our officers only get to see the negative when responding to a negative call, but here they get to respond in a positive manner.”
Evesham’s police also wish to thank the following for their support with the event: Evesham Neighborhood Watch, Evesham Fire-Rescue, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, NJSP-Aviaiton unit, Evesham Police Foundation , Evesham FOP Lodge №143, Evesham MUA, Evesham Celebrations Foundation, Marlton Business Association, Carlyn Phucas, DDS Orthodontics, Evesham municipal Alliance, Brain Injury Alliance of NJ, Target, Immigration and Customs (ICE), Bertucci’s Pizza, Rita’s, Water Ice, DJ Bishop, Girl Talk Marlton, Evesham Youth Advisory Committee, Marlton Elk’s and Arctic Glacier Ice.
