UPPER WEST SIDE — Neighborhood cops will serve up free food and a side order of smiles at National Night Out on Tuesday.
The annual nationwide event gives kids and adults a chance to mingle with police over burgers and face painting. The goal is to build better relationships between cops and the community, which prevents crime down the road, said Officer Jason Harper of the 26th Precinct.
"We create a fun environment where people can approach officers in a relaxed way," Harper said. "Oftentimes, unfortunately, when people engage with police it’s in a negative way."
The 26th Precinct, which covers Morningside Heights, Manhattanville and parts of Harlem, will raffle off kids' bikes from Target, hold a magic show and feature dance performances and music. There will also be a bounce house for kids and plenty of free barbecue and pizza.
The 26th Precinct's celebration runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Claremont playground, directly behind Grant's Tomb, at West 122nd Street and Riverside Drive.
The 24th Precinct, which covers West 110th Street to West 86th Street between Central Park West and the Hudson River, will hold its National Night Out at the Happy Warrior Playground at West 98th Street and Amsterdam Avenue from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The 20th Precinct, whose territory spans from West 59th Street to West 86th Street between Central Park West and the Hudson River, will celebrate at Verdi Square Park between Broadway and Amsterdam at West 73rd Street from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
