The Bakersfield Police Department along with other local agencies hosted their annual National Night Out at Bakersfield College Tuesday evening.
The free event ran from 6-9 p.m. and featured booths, music and demonstrations from law enforcement.
The event allowed law enforcement the opportunity to engage with the community in a comfortable environment so they could address questions and concerns residents may have. It also enabled community members to see a lighter side of the men and women in blue.
"They're human too," said Daniel Saldana, a Bakersfield resident.
"A lot of times people think that law enforcement, they're some type of robot. I like to come out here so my family can see that they're human just like everybody else."
Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Williamson agreed.
"We don't necessarily have to talk as law enforcement officers and victims, or suspects, or arrestees. We can talk and try work things out and see what problems are in our communities and our different neighborhoods."
Many attendees said they felt it was necessary to come out and support law enforcement given the recent events in Dallas, Baton Rouge and San Diego.
