Police officers have feelings and emotions; they're vulnerable. Police officers face challenges and hardships. Police officers have families, and they entertain dreams, goals and aspirations.

"Trust makes everything easier," said Mark Shivers, who's been a police officer in Manheim Township for 16 years. "When people know their officers, they're more comfortable asking for help, reporting problems and working to solve issues. Strong communities and good policing go hand in hand."

"Our main job is keeping people safe," continued Shivers, "but I think we're much more than that. We work with schools, businesses, churches, senior communities and neighborhood groups all year long. We try to be involved before people need to call 911."

The upcoming National Night Out event will allow members of the Manheim Township Police Department to let their guards down, open up and meet members of the local community face to face. The 2026 version of the locale's annual National Night Out will be staged from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the township's Overlook Community Park Activities Center, 301 Golf Drive, Lancaster.

The event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

"I think we have a very positive relationship with our community," said Shivers. "People are supportive of the department, and we work hard to be visible and involved throughout the year, not just when we're responding to calls. Whether you've lived here for 30 years or just moved in, it's a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, meet your police officers and enjoy a fun evening together. We want everyone to feel comfortable coming up and talking with us."

On National Night Out, members of the Manheim Township Police Department will be joined by community leaders and members of other civically minded organizations. There will be music, food, drinks, fire trucks, yard games, activities for kids, special demonstrations - and even a few surprises - at the family oriented, block party type event.

"It's a very relaxed, family-friendly event," said Shivers. "It's really just a fun summer evening where people can spend a couple hours with their neighbors."

More than 1,000 local residents and citizens are expected to attend National Night Out.

"It's a chance to show that we're regular people too and that we're here to help, not just when something goes wrong," said Shivers. "My favorite part is talking with people when nobody is having a bad day. Most of the time when someone sees a police officer, it's because something happened. National Night Out lets us have conversations that don't involve an emergency."

Part of a national initiative to improve community and law enforcement relationships and to foster trust, National Night Out has been celebrated in Manheim Township for decades. Over those years, the event has grown in numbers and scope and evolved into one of the Manheim Township Police Department's most important events.

The local police department also hosts scam prevention presentations at retirement communities, visits schools, conducts an annual 9/11 memorial service, checks child safety seats, collects and retires tattered American flags, stages unique community events and partners with various local organizations.

"We try to stay involved in the community in as many ways as we can," said Shivers.

For additional information, search for "National Night Out Summer Social with MTPD" on Facebook.