Thousands of people united against crime for the annual National Night Out Against Crime.
Each year, the free event gives people a chance to bond with their local police officers.
National Night Out has been an annual event for more than 30 years but this year, it was especially relevant given the recent wave of high-profile shootings between police and citizens.
Officials said Tuesday night was about promoting police-community relations.
Block parties, cookouts and a forum have been scheduled, in addition to visits from police officers.
"Night Out" festivities in Cayce Homes brought out some of the officers' youngest friends pic.twitter.com/EQTx8Ftt53
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) August 3, 2016
Thirteen different Nashville public housing developments will host events. Some of them will also have a back-to-school bash.
A forum was held in Edgehill with Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson followed by food, fun, even a dance-off.
Great "Night Out" crowd in Old Hickory pic.twitter.com/XpuKhkeE7J
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) August 2, 2016
The goal is to increase crime prevention awareness, increase neighborhood support in anti-crime efforts, and build relationships with the police who patrol their neighborhoods.
Murfreesboro and other surrounding cities celebrated National Night Out with most events being held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. However, times varied by location.
In La Vergne, firefighters played softball against police at Veterans Memorial Park at 6:30 p.m.
