San Mateo Police Participates In National Night Out

SAN MATEO, CA — The San Mateo Police Department took part in the 42nd Annual National Night Out Tuesday night to strengthen police-community partnerships.

From 5:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the SMPD held a free safety fair at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center located at 725 Monte Diablo Ave.

The SMPD sent representatives to 27 registered neighborhood block events from 6-9 p.m.

"On this evening across the nation, police and the community get together to heighten crime prevention awareness; generate support for and participate in local anticrime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know our neighborhoods are organized and fighting back," police said.

Visitors at the safety fair got to meet McGruff the Crime Dog and SMPD K9s, mingle with police, firefighters, and city staff, explore public safety vehicles such as SWAT trucks, fire trucks, and ambulances, witness drone deployments, enjoy treats from the San Mateo Police Activities League, play games with Parks and Recreation, visit the library's book mobile, climb a backhoe, and gather resources from various organizations.