BATTERY PARK CITY — Seven-year-old Jack Farber gazed seriously up at an NYPD officer on the Battery Park City esplanade Tuesday night, saluting and then standing at attention.
After Jack promised to do his best to uphold the laws of New York City — and not to eat too many doughnuts — the officer affixed a Junior Police Officer badge to Jack's gray T-shirt.
Asked how he felt to be an official member of the service, Jack beamed and gave an emphatic thumbs-up.
He was one of dozens of children informally deputized at the 1st Precinct's National Night Out Against Crime celebration Tuesday night. More than 200 people gathered along the Hudson River to chat with police officers and share an evening of burgers, music and games.
"We pass each other on the street all the time, but this is the one night where the community and police can relax and get to know each other," said Anthony Notaro, president of the 1st Precinct Community Council.
The newly promoted Deputy Inspector Edward Winski, commanding officer of the 1st Precinct, said he was glad to have the chance to acknowledge the hard work of everyone who helps keep lower Manhattan safe.
Crime in the neighborhood is down seven percent so far this year, after falling eight percent last year, he said.
Ron Dowd, a Battery Park City resident whose three kids enjoyed the free cotton candy at the event, said he used the opportunity to talk to officers about some neighborhood issues, including dangerously speeding cyclists.
"It gives a chance for residents to see the police in downtime mode," Dowd said.
One of the most popular attractions was a booth where NYPD officers were creating Safe Child ID cards, containing a picture and identifying information about a child to keep on record in case of a kidnapping or another crisis.
Jack Farber's mother, Debra Farron, 44, a Battery Park City resident, said she was glad to see the NYPD taking child safety so seriously.
"It's phenomenal, especially after what happened in Brooklyn," Farron said, referring to the murder of eight-year-old Leiby Kletzky last month.
Lyn Bollen, another Battery Park City mother who had ID cards made for her young children, said it was important to take precautions.
"Hopefully it will never happen," Bollen said.
