Photos: Kids, Community Take Back The Streets During 62nd Precinct’s Night Out Against Crime

62nightout5
Officers allowed neighborhood kids to explore a squad car.

The 62nd Precinct joined more than 15,000 communities across the United States in National Night Out Against Crime 2013 last Tuesday, August 6, drawing scores of children to take back the street from violence.

The event kicked off at 5 p.m., with children and their parents joining the precinct’s police officers for fun, food and entertainment. The kids lined up to check out a 62nd Precinct patrol car that officers opened up for them, allowing them to have a seat, sound the siren and talk on the loudspeaker – probably jolting a few passersby.

It was the 30th anniversary of the national event, celebrated in more than 15,000 communities across all 50 states, representing the communities reclaiming their streets from violence and crime.

After munching on some free hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and food from Lucy’s Sausage Stand, event-goers danced to beats from local DJ Perfect Entertainment.

“There was a cute older man dancing to the jive. As the night moved on the D.J hosted a crazy hat/mask contest, musical chairs, freeze dance and a scavenger hunt for prizes,” said Amy Nicole Simeone-Rodriguez, who filled Bensonhurst Bean in on the event, and sent the accompanying photos.

The winners of the crazy hat and mask contest were Joleena Collazo and Cristian Rodriguez, shown posing below with fellow contestants and 62nd Precinct commander James Rooney.

62nightout2

Here are more photos from the event, sent to us by Simeone-Rodriguez:

62nightout1
62nightout3
62nightout4