North Charleston, South Carolina – Lowcountry law enforcement agencies are preparing for National Night Out, a statewide event that aims to enhance relationships between officers and the communities they serve.
The North Charleston Police Department is organizing a block party at Park Circle on Tuesday night to promote trust via conversation, connection, and neighborhood fun.
According to the city’s website, there were 550 violent offenses registered in North Charleston from January to August of this year. These figures, officers say, demonstrate why events like National Night Out are so crucial.
This event allows locals to meet the cops that defend them in a more casual environment. Families can expect free food, DJ music, a K-9 demonstration, and a children’s touch-a-truck display.
City figures reveal some positive progress: from August 2024 to August 2025, violent crime in North Charleston reduced by 12%, while overall crime decreased by 10%. Officer Joshua Silva, a crime prevention officer with the North Charleston Police Department, believes that creating relationships with the community is critical to success.
“We just need to communicate with the community that, hey, look, we are out there,” Silva told me. “We are currently fully staffed.” We have our numbers displayed for the officers on the street. We understand how to be proactive. We understand how to solve our offenses. Our investigators are highly busy with their case loads, and they have a very good success record in solving their crimes. So, we’re doing the work. But it takes two. We also require communication from the community.
Silva stated that events such as National Night Out assist transform how officers and community perceive one another.
“Usually when you interact with the community, it’s usually the suspect or victim and it’s the worst day of their life,” Silva told the audience. “So, it’s a very calm set of circumstances where we can just foster a relationship.”
He noted that trust is necessary for law enforcement to conduct their tasks efficiently.
“We need to create trust between officers and the community. “We’re walking a very fine line.”
North Charleston police prioritize community participation throughout the year, in addition to Tuesday’s program. The department organizes weekly “recap walks” in various areas, an annual “A Baby Changes Everything” baby shower on October 25, and a Thanksgiving turkey distribution, among other events.
Silva said the continuous efforts remind people that all sides have the same goal: keeping North Charleston secure.
The National Night Out celebration at Park Circle continues from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, but through traffic will be closed around the circular beginning at 4 p.m. Attendees are asked to park along surrounding streets and walk to the event.
If you don’t reside in the North Charleston area, there are several other National Night Out activities going across the Lowcountry:
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office will be at The Bend in North Charleston from 4:30-7 p.m., while the Mount Pleasant Police Department will be at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Moncks Corner Police Department: 6-8 p.m. in the Moncks Corner Recreation Complex Pavilion.
Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office: 5-8 p.m. at Ashley River Park; Colleton County Sheriff’s Office: 6-8 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Walterboro; Isle of Palms Police Department: 4:30-7 p.m. at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center.
