National Night Out at the University of Houston made its outdoor return after being moved to an interior space last year at the last minute due to the inclement weather.

The University of Houston Police Department, along with law enforcement partners Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Houston Independent School District Police Department, and Texas Southern University Police Department observed National Night Out outside the Student Center.

“It’s good to show that partnership,” said UHPD Crime Prevention Officer Felip Guitierrez on having many law enforcement partners take part of UH’s National Night Out.

“It’s good to show that there are so many agencies within this little community that we have and are willing to work together.”

The 372 attendees made up of students, faculty, and staff joined in the National Night Out festivities which included shooting on an inflatable basketball goal, giant Jenga, improvised group dancing, snow cones, and many resources related to student on-campus safety.

For their National Night Out efforts, UHPD received a Certificate of Recognition from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

“We just wanted to recognize all the work that went into putting on this event and encourage them to keep doing so in the future,” said Harris County Senior Police Advisor Mikayla Panariello who presented the recognition to Gutierrez.

For UHPD Chief Ceaser Moore, the recognition is an indication of how involved UHPD is with the community.

That involvement was on display during the National Night Out event. Guitierrez said he was glad to have this year’s National Night Out return to the outdoors as it made it possible to have more vendors at the event, plus, for the first time, have a taco vendor which proved to be a popular stop during the event.

Some vendors included local campus safety departments like Campus Safety, Environmental Health Services, Women and Gender Resources, Center of Forensic Excellence, and CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services.

The vibes at National Night Out were jovial and attendees shared that sentiment with Gutierrez during the event.

“A lot of students said they’re happy to see us in this environment where we’re kind of relaxed,” said Guitierrez. “Sometimes whenever students do engage with us it’s at a difficult time so, it’s really good that they’re able to see us in a different light.”

Senior Joseph Ogunbanjo had no idea National Night Out was happening but saw a crowd of people in front of the Student Center, so the Integrated Sciences major walked over to the event.

The first thing he noticed was UHPD Officer Amir Watkins shooting basketballs on an inflatable goal. When Watkins asked him to shoot, Ogunbanjo happily obliged. Afterwards, the senior visited with the other vendors and grabbed some tacos.

“It shows a sense of comfortability because you’re in tune with all the people that you see every day that are protecting you,” said Ogunbanjo on seeing UHPD having fun with the students on National Night Out.

Mechanical major David Carillo attended his first National Night Out event and came away impressed by how many police officers the university has.

“It makes me feel more safe and secure,” said Carillo.

The junior added that he enjoyed seeing all the UHPD officers engaging with students in a fun setting.