Medford Police Lt. Hartnett on impact of National Night Out

By Saoirse Stallings

National Night Out is more than a summer night to the Medford Police Department; It is a chance to connect with the public and build trust citywide. Since the first event in 2021, Medford has shown up for a night of music, games, performances, and an opportunity to interact with local police officers in a non-emergency setting.

“It is an opportunity for you to engage with the officers who took an oath to protect and serve you, and a chance for you to see us beyond our badges, and an opportunity for us to see you outside of a call for service,” said Medford Police Lt. Charlie Hartnett, who is the commander of the department’s Community Engagement Unit. "This way, we all foster great relationships and come together as a community, working together for a better Medford.”

This year’s event took place at Hormel Stadium on August 5, but planning began in the spring, when past vendors were contacted and advertising began. Notably, social media has become a large platform for the department to use, recording that the size of the event has grown since using media to reach the community. The department also uses lawn signs, reverse 911 calls, and digital signboards across the city to publicize the event.

National Night Out is just one of many events the Medford Police Department hosts over the course of the year, including Community Inclusion Day, the Junior Fishing Derby, Coffee with a Cop, and – new this year – the Junior Police Academy.

“Trust and legitimacy are the cornerstone of a police department,” Hartnett said. “We are unable to do the job we do without the trust of our community knowing we are there to serve them. The best way to do this is for officers to hold themselves to the highest standards and conduct themselves accordingly during their tours of service. We want our citizens to know that we are humans, just like them, who enter this career to make a small impact on their daily lives.”

One of the most memorable moments for the department came during the very first National Night Out in 2021, when the turnout was unexpected and the reception from the city was tremendous. 

“We may wear a uniform, badge, and duty belt, and drive a police cruiser, but we are no different from you,” Hartnett said. “We are people with families, lives outside of work, and human beings. Please talk with us at the event. We want you to know our first names. We want you to know that we are here for you, not against you. Specifically, I want our community to recognize the officers who work overnight while many of us sleep comfortably.”

For more information on community events follow Medford Police on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.medfordpolice.com.