Hillsborough residents mingled with town officials, community watch groups and McGruff the Crime Dog on the lawn of the Old Orange County Courthouse Thursday evening.
The focus of the annual Community Night Out was informing residents about town safety programs and strengthening relationships between officials and residents.
“We can’t do our jobs without the community doing theirs,” said Cpl. Tereasa King, Hillsborough’s community policing coordinator, who organized the event.
Representatives from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Fire Department and Orange County Emergency Services also participated.
Dorothy Johnson, president of Fairview Community Watch, said she has seen safety in her neighborhood improve since a community watch was formed.
She said the neighborhood’s crime rates have fallen as its relationship with the police department has improved.
“A big step toward getting better is feedback from the community,” said Hillsborough Police Chief Duane Hampton during the event’s question and answer forum.
Gayane Chambless, coordinator for the Orange Partnership for Alcohol and Drug Free Youth, attended the event to raise awareness among parents about underage drinking.
“This event is a great way to network,” Chambless said.
