Another successful Safe City Nights in Rochester

(ABC 6 News) – Rochester Police is hosting Safe City Nights again this summer.

It’s one of many community outreach efforts by RPD to engage with the community and create conversations.

It all began in 2019 when police wanted to open communication with the community it serves.

“We organize this as an opportunity to gather the community in a neighborhood and meet with the public when it’s not a crisis situation,” said Lt. Ryan Manguson from the RPD Community Services Division.

It’s also a chance for community members to meet with other public services, such as the fire department, state troopers, public works and more.

There are plenty of activities for the kids, like a scavenger hunt, or getting to sit inside a firetruck or police car.

“The kids love policemen and EMTs and firefighters, so it’s fun for them to see them all in one space and see all their trucks,” said mom and community member Nicole Folken.

Besides having fun, kids get a chance to interact with those they might need to turn to in an emergency. That relationship building also benefits adults, especially those that are new to the community.

“After George Floyd, it’s a great opportunity to have conversations about policing in our community and what, how we police in this community and the expectations, and the expectations the community have of us,” said Manguson.

The goal is to build trust and have conversations between the public and emergency services, so that in times of need people will feel comfortable reaching out for help.

There are still three more Safe City Nights planned for this summer:

• July 25, 6-8 p.m. at Bishop Elementary (406 36th Ave. NW)
• August 8, 6-8 p.m. at Longfellow Elementary (2435 20th St. SE)
• August 22, 6-8 p.m. at Watson Field (1000 Essex Pkwy NW)