Behind the Badge
To build trust, sometimes you have to shake things up a bit.
Assessing the giant grins on her kids’ faces as they rollicked in an 9.5 earthquake simulator, Beverly Hills resident Marci Flowers said her kids’ obvious joy was exactly what brought her out to the Beverly Hills Police Department’s National Night Out event on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019.
Marcus Flowers, left, Jose Beliz and Gael Beliz get a simulation of a 9.5 earthquake during Beverly Hills’ National Night Out event Tuesday.
Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge
“What I see today is not always a positive image of law enforcement. I want my kids to know who their police, fire and paramedics are because they’re being bombarded with negative images,” Flowers said. “I want them to feel safe in their community and show them that law enforcement is there for them.”
Across the nation, thousands of police departments hosted National Night Out events to bring together members of law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Kamal Grewal gets a lesson in using a fire extinguisher during the Beverly Hills National Night Out event.
Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge
The packed Beverly Hills event drew families, business leaders, city officials and officers who enjoyed food truck fare and face painting. The block party also featured booths and interactive displays from several city departments, including one from the Beverly Hills Fire Department that gave adult visitors the chance to put out an impressive grill flame with a fire extinguisher. Other popular stops included SWAT, K9 and a mobile command center display.
While larger municipalities break up their events into neighborhood celebrations, Beverly Hills is small enough that it can host one event as a block party on 400 Rexford Drive.
“What’s nice about the way it’s done here, is that the entire community can come together and enjoy it,” Assistant Chief Marc Coopwood said. “It enhances the relationship between the neighbors and law enforcement and really builds community.”
Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Johnson poses for a photo with Beverly Hills Chief of Police Sandra Spagnoli during Tuesday’s National Night Out event. Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge
The Beverly Hills Police Department’s Bearcat, Mobile Command Center and SWAT truck line the 400 block of North Rexford Drive during the city’sNational Night Out event Tuesday. Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge
Beverly Hills Police Department K-9 Officer Jesse Perez lets attendees of the National Night Out event meet his partner, Boots. Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge
