Five hundred area residents attended Independence Night Out Against Crime at McCoy Park Tuesday, October 7. The park was filled with law enforcement vehicles from Independence and Sugar Creek departments and officers looking to interact with the community. 

"Anytime you can get with kids when they're young and anytime we can interact with the community in a positive way is a great opportunity," said Officer Billy Pope, Independence Police Department.  

William Chrisman High School volunteers gave free hot dogs and chips during the event. Throughout the evening, the 500 attendees were able to speak with representatives concerning home security, crime prevention resources, and more from City of Sugar Creek Police & Fire Explorer Post, Greg's Lock and Key Service, Hope House, and Smart Start of Missouri.  

"I was happy it was going to be here this year," said Barbara Wiley, neighborhood resident.

Wiley, who is involved with the LINC Site Council at Bryant Elementary, expressed that the event is beneficial to Independence residents.

"This would help the people of the community to get information that they may need [...] I hope it bears fruit."

During the event, Target volunteers raffled 2,000 dollars worth of prizes including a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and a fire-proof box.

"This is an event that Target participates in ever year with local law enforcement." said Dennis Pavlich, Essence Protection Team Leader. "It is a fun event that brought the community and law enforcement together. It was a great opportunity for organizations to come to show that they really do care."

Independence Night Out Against Crime is holding additional community events and celebrations through the month of October. Click here to view the Independence Night Out Against Crime calendar.