Olive Branch police welcomes neighborhood ‘night out’ | News

A convoy of Olive Branch Police Department vehicles and motorcycles, along with a large department trailer, all blowing sirens and flashing red and blue lights “invaded” a number of city neighborhoods Tuesday night.

The only suspects that the bevy of Olive Branch officers, led by Police Chief Don Gammage, were looking for were as many of the neighborhood residents as possible.

The “invasion” was not done to put handcuffs on, but rather give handouts, as in drinks, chips and stuffed toys for the kids, all part of the department’s observance of National Night Out.

Each year, law enforcement agencies across the country take time one evening to hold events that gets officers to the community to promote partnerships that make their cities safer.

While some departments choose to hold their National Night Out in one place and invite the community to come to them, Gammage said he decided to take it on the road to the neighborhoods, instead.

“We prepared ourselves by getting with the different HOAs in the community and the neighborhood watches and let them know we were going to do this,” Gammage said. “It’s all about the community and what they can do to help us fight crime. They are a big part of what we do and we can’t be successful without them.”

Starting with the Vineyard Apartment complex, the contingent of officers visited eight locations in the city Tuesday afternoon and evening, meeting residents and passing out free stuff.

Among the places that were visited was the College Crossing/College Park area which has dealt with crime issues before.

But resident Ashley Brown said she was especially glad to see police come out to her neighborhood this time on Tuesday night.

“I’m glad they’re doing this for the community,” Brown said. “This is important, I like this, that they’re giving back to the community.”

Other locations the police stopped at were Chateau Ridge, Wesson Heights, Sandidge Hill Apartments, Lions Gate, Eastover and Ivy Trails.

“We went to see what homeowners’ associations were the most active ones in the city,” Gammage said. “We also looked at crime trends for the whole year and that’s how we determined where to go.”

The National Association of Town Watch sponsors the event on the national level and annually holds National Night Out on the first Tuesday of August, although Texas and Florida have an option to hold it in October to avoid hot weather.

“It’s all about partnership,” Gammage said. “Bridging the gap between the community and the police department. We want them to support us as we support them and let them know we’re not the ‘bad guys.’”

Gammage said sponsorships fund the program and no tax dollars were used.

At least one other DeSoto County law enforcement agency held a National Night Out Tuesday night, as Hernando officers welcomed the public at Conger Park with a bounce house, food and entertainment for three hours, an event that department touted as a huge success for its first year.

Bob Bakken is Staff Writer and may be reached at 662-429-6397 ext. 240.