AC Police again to host activities in observance of National Night Out

True to its promise, last year’s National Night Out presented by the Amarillo College Police Department (ACPD) was “a celebration to remember,” and folks of all ages had so much fun that the ACPD is hosting the free event again in 2022.

Featuring bouncy inflatables, free hotdogs and snow cones, face painting, safety-related booths and activities, and much more, National Night Out is a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

This year’s celebration at AC will be from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2 at the Washington Street Campus. Public safety is the overriding theme, and kids are encouraged to bring their bicycles and take a jaunt through a bike-safety course.

The event will be staged on the southern half of spacious Parking Lot 1, which stretches along Washington Street between 21st and 22nd avenues. Visitors should find plenty of parking on the northern half of Parking Lot 1.

The event, which is open to all, drew hundreds of enthusiastic neighbors last year, and Scott Acker, ACPD chief, says his department is hopeful that even more will turn out this time around.

“We love the idea of building bridges and strengthening our ties with the community,” Acker said. “Police and their neighbors shouldn’t have to come together only in times of emergency; we can have fun together, too.

“Everybody sure seemed like they had fun last year, so hopefully word has gotten around and even more folks will join us this year. We’re trying to make National Night Out bigger and better, and we can’t wait to see everybody here.”

In addition to fun activities for youngsters and treats for all, the celebration also will feature a number of booths staffed by members of area law-enforcement agencies, each emphasizing particular safety techniques.

Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide, generally on the first Tuesday in August.