The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina participated in National Night Out events across the state on Tuesday, joining law enforcement agencies and community members to foster stronger relationships between police and residents.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar highlighted the importance of these efforts, stating, “National Night Out is about more than public safety – it’s about community. It was a privilege to join our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners as we visited neighborhoods across Raleigh, connected with residents, heard their feedback, and strengthened our ties with the community. We were particularly excited to welcome Associate Deputy Attorney General Aakash Singh—an alumni from our office— who joined us at Raleigh-area events and met with many of our law enforcement partners from across Eastern North Carolina.”
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce emphasized the value of engagement: “For me, community engagement isn’t just part of the job—it’s a calling. Events like this are about more than showing up; they’re about bridging gaps and building real relationships. That’s why we started Cops on the Block—to be more than uniforms, more than badges. To be neighbors. I always say, National Night Out is our Super Bowl—it’s our moment to connect, to be present, and to celebrate what brings us together.”
National Night Out is an annual event designed to strengthen partnerships between law enforcement and communities nationwide by encouraging activities such as block parties and safety demonstrations. The campaign began in 1984 with support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the U.S. Department of Justice and is managed by the National Association of Town Watch.
Millions participate each year in thousands of communities throughout the United States on the first Tuesday in August.
Local police departments coordinate National Night Out activities with trained volunteers to provide positive interactions among officers and residents through neighborhood gatherings such as cookouts, parades, youth programs, seminars, visits from emergency personnel, and other events aimed at promoting safety collaboration.
The event seeks to send a message that neighborhoods are united in working together for safer communities.
