Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire police spend a night with the community

The Vernon Hills and Lincolnshire police departments hosted a variety of free family activities for National Night Out on Tuesday.

Vernon Hills' event included an inflatable playground, sand volleyball games against the police, music, face painting and a barbecue at Hartman Park.

"It's all about spending a night with the community," said Vernon Hills Police Chief Mark Fleischhauer.

Fleischhauer said he expected the department to feed 1,200 to 1,500 people Tuesday night.

Lincolnshire's event included a bounce house, a live broadcast from 102.3-XLC radio, K-9 demo, a caricature artist and touch-a-truck displays at North Park.

"We're showing that there's another side to the police other than stopping and giving you tickets as you drive down Route 22," joked Lincolnshire Police Chief Peter Kinsey. "They're seeing us in a different light," Kinsey said.

The celebration coincides with the 32nd annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out is designed to strengthens neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

To find out more, visit www.vhpd.com or www.village.lincolnshire.il.us.