NATCHEZ – Tonight, Natchez Police officers and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office join other departments across the country in inviting the community to join them in celebrating National Night Out on Natchez Bluff.

National Night Out is a community event dedicated to helping police officers build relationships with the members of the community they are sworn to serve and protect.

Natchez Police Chief Cal Green said the NPD is helping foster those community relationships with a lights-and-sirens caravan through neighborhoods departing from the Natchez Police Department at 5:30 p.m.

Following the caravan, communal entertaining hot dogs will be served on the Natchez Bluff starting at approximately 6:30 p.m

“It’s a time of community where you can meet your neighbors and your brothers and sisters in blue at the same time,” Green said. “We are trying to bring a greater focus to community policing and build a personal connection with our citizens so they can put a name and a face to the one who serves and protects them.”

Green said few people are aware of the “multifaceted” approach to community policing. Many people call when something negative happens, but few have the opportunity to meet their officers about something positive – an opportunity that National Night Out provides.

It’s a collaborative effort,” she said. “I believe this is another factor that contributes to our success in reducing murder and crime rates. The more we involve the community in everything we do, the more it fosters closeness between the community and law enforcement.”

Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said ACSO will also have a separate caravan from NPD heading to Adams County, but will join city police officers and community members on Natchez Bluff after the caravan.

“A community thrives on how well its law enforcement and civilians work together,” Patten said. “This is a time for both law enforcement and the community to come together and fellowship with one another and show their appreciation for one another. We invite everyone to come out during transit in their community, honk, wave, say hello and greet us at stops. We also ask the community to come out from all corners, fellowship with the officers on the bluff, and enjoy a day worth celebrating.”

Patten said ACSO’s caravan route is as follows: Departs Adams County Sheriff’s Office at 5 p.m. for Selma Estates (first stop); Morgantown Road to Steamplant Road; Broadmoor Drive to the Heights; from the heights to the holiday apartments; Seargent S. Prentiss drive to Liberty Road; from Lagrange to Woodland Hills Subdivision; Plantation Trailer Park to Susie B West Apartments and final stop on Natchez Bluff.