Video: Police and Community Join Forces for National Night Out

Batters connected with slow-pitched softballs and a police officer turned sizzling hot dogs on the grill for National Night Out in Mar Vista Gardens Recreation park Tuesday night. 

The event, put on by the Pacific Division of the Los Angeles Police Department and a number of boosters, strives to build stronger relationships between communities and law enforcement. Symbolically, the softball game, which followed a barbecue, placed residents and police officers on mixed teams. 

In remarks delivered before the first pitch, Councilmember Bill Rosendahl said that more than 15,000 communities across the nation celebrated National Night Out that day.

“What they’re showing is the bond between the police and the community,” Rosendahl said. “We can’t do it by ourselves the police can't and neither can the community, but together, that partnership really works.”

Rosendahl was accompanied by City Controller Wendy Greuel. She said the family-friendly atmosphere was one of the best parts.

“The great thing is to see kids out here playing,” she said.

Youngsters in Little League outfits mingled with officers near the food tables. Community members said they appreciated law enforcement working to come out from behind the badge.

“I think there’s some resentment that builds up between the community and law enforcement, and things like this really give a different image,” said a Mar Vista resident named Duane, who preferred not to give his last name. “It’s nice to see that well-roundedness.”

Gloves were not required for the slow-pitch, Chicago-style softball game that capped off the evening — a “friendly” game, said South Mar Vista Senior Lead Officer Marci Garcia, who coordinated the event.

Joking competitiveness still surfaced, of course.    

“I don’t know who’s pitching, but I think last year I had three or four home runs,” quipped Jon Peters, captain of the Pacific Division. “So I hope somebody’s getting loose in the bullpen.”

Download the movie