Some believe that trust must be earned. But trust must also be cultivated, nurtured and fostered.

That's the premise upon which the Manheim Township Police Department's (MTPD) approach to National Night Out is based. It's an opportunity to revisit and reinvent connections with the community.

Some 45,000 residents call Manheim Township home.

"It's a great night to meet us, and it's a great night to meet your community," said Natalie Littlehale, MTPD's coordinator for National Night Out. "It's just this great fact-finding night. There are so many interactions going on. We really want people to take advantage of the community spirit we have."

This year's National Night Out in Manheim Township will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Manheim Township Community Park, 209 Petersburg Road, Lancaster. A neighborhood block party conducted in a carnival-like atmosphere, the free, family-friendly event will feature a DJ spinning tunes, games, hot dogs, ice cream, drinks, a candy scramble, bounce houses, an obstacle course and the popular police-versus-firefighters kickball game.

"Once again, we are looking forward to celebrating National Night Out with our friends and neighbors here in Township," said Duane Fisher, MTPD's chief of police. "We are hoping to make this year bigger and more fun than ever. It is a great way to celebrate your community as well as get to know those who live and work around you. After all the fun, our goal is to develop the camaraderie and build partnerships that will turn into positive relationships that improve the quality of life here."

"No matter where you live, you want to have confidence in your police department," said Barry Waltz, MTPD's public information officer. "When residents call for us, it's going to be at a time of crisis. But we don't want that to be the first time they've talked to us. We want to be here when you don't need us as well."

No fewer than 12 officers from MTPD will be in attendance at National Night Out, along with members of the Manheim Township Ambulance Association, Manheim Township Fire Rescue Department and Manheim Township Recreation and Park Planning Department and their apparatus. MTPD will present a K-9 demonstration as part of the evening's activities.

In addition, 27 local organizations will man information booths explaining the programs and services that they provide.

"Everyone is mingling and hanging out," said Waltz. "I'd say our relationship with the community is fantastic. With everything that's going on in society, we enjoy a very positive relationship. It's not uncommon for people to stop by the station and drop off things just to say thank you."

Nearly 800 individuals are expected to attend.

"The purpose has always been to get the community out to meet our first responders and make them aware of programs that are available," said Littlehale. "People get to meet people they never met before. (National Night Out) is making us all one. It's a joint venture."

National Night Out is a country-wide initiative designed to foster better communications and understanding between local law enforcement and the citizens it serves. Manheim Township has participated in the program over the last decade.

For additional information on the Manheim Township Police Department, go to http://www.manheimtownship.org/187/Police.