BELL — The Bell Police Department will host its annual National Night Out on Aug. 5, offering 500 free backpacks and haircuts for students alongside community activities designed to strengthen relationships between residents and officers.
The event runs from 5-8 p.m. on Pine Avenue in front of the Bell Police Department at 6326 Pine Ave.
National Night Out began in 1984 as a program created by the National Association of Town Watch and is observed by thousands of communities across the United States each year. The initiative is designed to encourage interaction between residents and local police officers.
At the Bell event, backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed to families in preparation for the upcoming school year, with free haircuts also provided on site. These services are offered at no cost to attendees.
The celebration will also serve as an opportunity to meet the city’s new Police Chief Damian Velasco, a veteran Los Angeles law enforcement agent who was appointed earlier this year.
“This event will bring together Bell residents, local businesses, and Bell police officers for an evening of fun and community bonding with opportunities to learn more about how the city supports and protects its residents,” officials said.
Scheduled activities include food vendors, live music, games, and entertainment intended for participants of all ages. Local businesses, community organizations, and city departments will set up booths throughout the event, offering giveaways and information about their services.
Bell Police Department officers will be present throughout the event, providing opportunities to engage with residents in an informal setting.
The Bell Police Officers Association, the labor union representing police officers in the department, is partnering on the event.
City officials expected to attend include Mayor Ali Saleh, Vice Mayor Monica Arroyo, Community Services Director Janine Andrade, and City Manager Michael L. Antwine II.
National Night Out events nationwide are typically held in early August and focus on promoting interaction between police officers and members of their communities. The program is coordinated by the National Association of Town Watch, which releases national statistics on participation and local crime rates related to the event.
This year’s Bell event aims to continue providing resources to families ahead of the school year, including backpacks and haircuts, while maintaining the tradition of hosting an opportunity for residents and police officers to meet outside of emergency or enforcement contexts.
For more details about National Night Out nationally, visit the National Association of Town Watch website.
