Bringing unity to the community, that's the idea of the nationwide push to rid crime across America.


The 32nd annual National Night Against Drugs and Crime celebration takes place every first Tuesday of August.


One woman says she's grateful for the anti-crime initiative in the local area.


Tulsa is a Conklin resident but she and her daughter make their way to Binghamton's Columbus park every year for National Night Out.


Tulsa said, "We like watching the K9 dogs and seeing all the cops and the kids are safe, everyone's safe."


More than 16,000 communities partake in National Night Out each year it gives law enforcement the chance to connect with community members.


"In vestal we try to make this an emergency responder accessible evening. So were going to have police officers here, EMTs and fire Department officials with their equipment with some of their vehicles you can go into the cars into the trucks, check out the equipment, meet the people," said Vestal Police Detective Sergeant Christopher Streno.


It also sends the message of organized neighborhood strength against crime.


Binghamton Coordinator Rev. Henry Ausby said, "We know that we're in this fight together, were working together and we need each in order to prevent crime and combat crime in the community."


The community friendly event includes, games, prizes, food, K9 and vehicle demonstrations and the kids love it.

"We get to see what's inside the fire truck, how they use it and how many gallons -- they said 1,000 gallons and they use a fire hydrant, " said Resident Mohamed Ali.


Tulsa says the sense of security will keep her and her daughter coming back.


"Knowing that cops are here we can all feel safe."



Besides Columbus Park, Community events for Binghamton's National Night Out also took place at locations around the city including Saratoga Apartments, The Boys and Girls Club and the Broome County Library.