Raleigh Police Lt. David Davis has seen firsthand the impact community events like this can have.
"I've been a police officer for 19 years -- community trust and transparency, those are all built through interacting with the community members," Lt. Davis said.
The department has increased its presence in neighborhoods this spring and summer with programs like Cops on the Block and Raleigh Hoop Night. It gives the community a chance to meet officers in a positive environment.
WATCH: Teens hoop it up with police as Raleigh looks to build community bonds
Teens hoop it up with police as Raleigh looks to build community bonds
"I think just having that open dialogue, right? Try and see if there's things that we can improve upon," Lt. Davis said. "These are the times when people feel a little bit more comfortable to approach us."
These initiatives align with Chief Rico Boyce's stated priorities when he took the helm of the department in April. He pledged to make community engagement a central part of his leadership.
"We won't be strangers; they will know their police department," Chief Boyce told ABC11 the night he was sworn in back in the April.
So far, Lt. Davis said the public has responded positively to increase in community engagement.
"We've had a really good buy-in from the community with our Cops on the Block," he said. "A lot of positive support and reactions to that. You know, we've also have a lot of different events going out through the summer...and programs for our kids."
WATCH: Raleigh police reintroduce 'Cops on the Block' neighborhood initiative
Raleigh police start 'Cops on the Block' neighborhood initiative
This Tuesday's National Night Out will include family-friendly activities at over two dozen sites throughout Raleigh. Some locations will feature Raleigh police's specialty units and K-9 units.
Youth outreach is a particular focus for the department, Lt. Davis said, as officers aim to form lasting relationships with the next generation of Raleigh residents.
"We're constantly pushing this stuff just to keep the keep our youth in the community engaged, build that trust and transparency with them because they're going to be the next generation of leaders in Raleigh," he said.
As part of National Night Out, the Raleigh Police Department is encouraging people to turn on their porch lights from 7 to 10 p.m. The gesture is meant to promote neighborhood awareness and help create a welcoming environment. Police also urge neighbors to take the opportunity to connect with one another.
To find a full list of National Night Out events featuring Raleigh Police, click here.
Other cities across the region are also holding events Tuesday night:
Durham Police Department is holding their events in October.