It makes us proud to see the Selma Police Department making an effort to get to know the people in the community it serves, and Thursday night’s Crime Night Out was proof of that.

We are glad to see the community getting to know the officers that patrol the streets each day and put their life on the line.

Hundreds of people turned out to the Selma Riverfront Amphitheater for the event.

In a day where there is tension between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, it is good to see Selmians embracing their police department and the other law enforcement agencies in Selma.

Events like Crime Night Out are especially important to Selma’s youth.

“[The Event is] very important for the youth. Right now, they need guidance. We’ve dropped the ball, a lot of us as parents, but as far as getting the message to young kids, that’s what we need to do,” said James Johnson who attended Crime Night Out.

Events like this build trust with the community and make it more likely for someone to call the police when they see a crime happening.

There are only so many officers on duty at one time, so having their back and serving as an extra pair of eyes and ears is a great asset to the department when it comes to solving crimes in Selma.

The Selma Fire Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, CARE Ambulance and other first responders were also there to meet the community.

It was also great to see the amphitheater being put to good use. The venue could use more events like Crime Night Out to show people what it has to offer the community.

We hope to see the police department carry this tradition on and continue to have a presence in the community.