At Matthew A. Henson Elementary School in West Baltimore, officers from the Western District were grilling hot dogs, passing out sodas and announcing raffle winners for new bicycles and backpacks.
The Coppin Heights-Rosemount neighborhood was just one of many across the state and country to hold events Tuesday in conjunction with the 27th annual National Night Out. Many communities and law enforcement agencies held cookouts, games and raffles to raise awareness of crime.
"This is a way for us to curb the violence, to bridge the gap between the community and the police," said Deputy Major Clifton McWhite.
Outside the elementary school, teens were throwing footballs, kids lined up for the moon bounce and others munched on bags of popcorn. And, at one point, the New Edition Marching Band paraded through the parking lot.
"We don't always have this in the community," said Major Robert L. Booker Jr., but "we aspire to tell kids, 'I was where you are.' " In Booker's case, he was — he grew up in the Western District. He said he too could have gone done another path, but instead, he now commands the policing district.
"That's where I think we are falling short — just nurturing our children," he said. "That's where we're going to turn a corner on this violence with our kids."
The city's suburban counterparts held similar National Night Out events. In Baltimore County, the Police Department teamed up with different organizations, enticing residents with cookouts, ice cream and community walks. Howard County Police also offered food, face painting and a dunking booth.
Politicians made appearances at several events, and the state's attorney for Baltimore came out to talk to residents.
"We want to thank the community for coming forward to make the community safer," Patricia C. Jessamy said. "If we, as law-abiding citizens, do our part, then the criminals don't win," she said as she greeted West Baltimore residents.
Gov. Martin O'Malley, his wife, Katie O'Malley, and Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown each went to several different events, including Charles Village, Upper Marlboro and Dundalk.
The block parties come just days after back-to-back vigils for slaying victims — one in Charles Village for a Johns Hopkins University researcher, the other in East Baltimore for a volunteer church caretaker.
In West Baltimore, residents also brought up other areas of concern, including trash, vacant houses and the lack of community involvement.
"Some people don't even see their neighbors," said Reva Brinkley, who raised two children several blocks from the school.
Brinkley said she was glad to see a positive event in the community and said they could use more.
"They do need lots more of this," she said.
jkanderson@baltsun.com