The UHD Police Department (UHDPD) invites faculty, staff, students and their family members to the Oct. 3 celebration of National Night Out. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Naylor Parking Lot, attendees will be treated to live music, food, safety demonstrations, and visits from local first responders and law enforcement officers. (Download flyer at right.)

This annual community-building campaign promotes police, community, and neighborhood partnerships to make neighborhoods safer and a more caring place to live and work, according to UHDPD Officer Bibiana Reyna. 

“This is a great opportunity for students to come out and meet people from around the community as well as the police officers and security officers from UHDPD,” Reyna said. “National Night Out creates positive relationships between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back the true essence of how law enforcement and communities should work together.” 

City officials, Houston Police Department K9, firefighters, and a fire truck will be present. UHDPD will provide free food including popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy, burgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks. Sports & Fitness and Student Activities will provide games. External vendors will also be on site to provide information about resources students can access.

This year marks UHDPD’s fifth National Night Out celebration on campus; the national organization is celebrating its 40th year. 

“UHDPD wants to be able to build a positive relationship with all faculty, staff, and students along with their families to let them know that we are here to support them and create a safe environment where they can work and learn,” Reyna said. 

Photo (from left): Officer Jose, Corporal Raymond Jenkins, Chief Casey Davis, and Detective Deionne Jackson at a previous National Night Out event. Photo credit: Shaheryar Khan.