Police in Cleveland, Akron and beyond celebrated National Night Out Tuesday evening.
Police told newsnet5.com that thousands showed up at Steelyard Commons to interact with about forty police officers.
"We need to get to know each other. Eat a meal together. Get to know each other. With the issues with shooting officers and police under scrutiny for things we’ve been doing,” said Capt. Keith Sulzer. “None of the officers that are working the streets are here. We have those times, where there are awkward conversations.”
Capt. Sulzer said policing the Republican National Convention helped with morale.
“We rarely get to see the people who like us,” said Capt. Sulzer.
Tracey Garsby brought her six children to the event but said she’s torn.
“I think they can do better. I’ve seen a lot of videos of what cops do. I think they’re wrong,” said Garsby. “You got good cops; you got bad cops. If they do it more often, it would be a lot better for the community. Doing one thing a year is not gonna make it better for these guys.”
