National Night Out a chance to meet neighbors, police in West Chicago

National Night Out isn't just a night of free food and music in a park.

For West Chicago police officer Michael Rosenwinkel, it's a time for residents to see he's human, too.

"It's fun for people to see us in a little different light," he said. "We want now, more than ever, for them to know we're just people."

Hundreds of residents had a chance to mingle with their neighbors, Rosenwinkel and other officers Tuesday evening in Reed-Keppler Park during one of several hundred National Night Out events happening nationwide. The night included music, food and family-friendly activities in a relaxed atmosphere.

Rosenwinkel said this year West Chicago police tried to refocus the event a bit, making sure everyone who was invited to set up an information booth matched the event's goals of strengthening partnerships between residents and police and raising awareness about local drug prevention and anti-crime efforts.

"It kind of got lost a little bit," he said. "I just wanted to make sure we kept the message."

More than 30 organizations were present at Tuesday's event, providing information about health and social services, substance abuse treatment programs and community groups that keep kids out of trouble.