Hartford National Night Out brings police and community together [Video]

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Some police departments canceled National Night Out events due to the severe weather on Tuesday, but the event carried on in Hartford.

Hartford had two National Night Out events — one in Keney Park and the other in Goodwin Park. It’s a chance for police to build relationships with families.

Janice Castle, Hartford’s director of community engagement, said events like this are a good opportunity to meet police in a non-combative environment.

“When you know the people that are working for you each and every day, you have this feeling that when they’re making decisions, they’re putting your best interest,” she said.

Ralph Martin Jr., a Hartford resident, thinks about public safety a lot more now that he has a grandson. He said policing has changed a lot since he was a kid.

“We need to get back to face to face, ‘Hi, have a seat,’ …