EDITORIAL: Block parties good for police, community

May 24—When thinking of interactions with police, chatting over barbecue probably isn't what comes to mind, but it's what happens at the Anderson Police Department summer block parties and something that should happen more often.

APD's first block party of the season was held Saturday at Jackson Park where guests were treated to hot dogs, a petting zoo and activities for children, and demonstrations of department tools and tactics.

Events like these are important for both police and residents to build rapport and foster community.

Positive interactions between police and the public are a must, not just for public relations purposes, but for all our safety.

When the only time someone sees a cop is when they show up to make an arrest, that skews the public perception of police officers as heavy-handed enforcers. People will be more tight-lipped around police and be less likely to cooperate or help with investigations.

An obvious symptom of this problem is the prolific amount of "auditor" YouTube channels. Auditors consider it their mission to stand up to police corruption and fight for their rights, although some become so combative that they escalate a simple traffic stop into a full-blown arrest.

A well-documented problem in some police departments is the "us vs. them" mentality, in which departments become insular and view outsiders as the enemy. Criminologists have acknowledged for decades that violent crime rates tend to rise during the summer months, making it all the more important for police and non-police to work together to keep our neighborhoods safe.

We commend the APD for being proactive in fostering good relationships between police and the communities they serve.

It is bound to lead to safer neighborhoods, and hopefully, more hot dogs and free fun for the kids!