National Night Out is a way for law enforcement to connect with the community.
The annual event held in cities across the country, and the police and neighborhood partnership includes block parties. In Stockton, there will be over 100 parties that will include BBQ's, games, music and law enforcement officers stopping by each party.
There are five community centers hosting a Night Out event in Stockton. They include the Arnold Rue Community Center, Oak Park Senior Center, Seifert Community Center, Stribley Community Center and Van Buskirk Community Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office is asking anyone who wants to host a block party to register with the Lathrop Police Services at 209-858-5551. By doing so, you'll receive a visit from law enforcement, Lathrop-Manteca Fire or city and county officials with a gift.
Lodi is also hosting about 80 block parties throughout their city.
Enrique and Lucy Munoz have six kids and live in a South Stockton apartment building close to where a National Night Out party will happen.
"I feel safe. Like every other town, every other town. Every town has it's bad sides and it's good sides," said Enrique.
Enrique is a financial analyst and Lucy is a stay-at-home mom. They've lived in their neighborhood for more than five years and they haven't been the victims of crime.
"You hear a lot of things, bad things. But, so far it's good," said Lucy.
There are 100 National Night Out parties set for Stockton neighborhoods. It's an opportunity for police to connect with the community.
"So, we know wherever we can increase trust and communication, we can actually decrease crime," said Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones.
Jones says National Night Out is about more than just a night. And it has paid dividends.
"And either developed information to solve a crime or were able to get the officers back more often for special checks and drive-thru's in the neighborhood," said Jones.
Jones says despite Stockton's reputation for high crime, Stockton is in its 18th year of overall crime decrease, and they've made a big dent in thefts and burglaries, too.
Homicides were down slightly year over year in June. Jones says it's thanks in part to that connection to the community.
"So it's about everyone we hope getting out of their homes, getting to know their police officer that works in the neighborhood and getting to know their neighbors," added Jones.
The Munoz family is satisfied with the police response when they've needed them and say the city's reputation for high crime shouldn't be as bad as it is.
"If you're looking for trouble, of course you're going to find trouble anywhere. It doesn't matter how safe the city is," said Enrique.
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