Movie night helps law enforcement

wtvd

By ABC11

Saturday, August 14, 2010

SPRING LAKE The family friendly night, hosted by law enforcement officers, is for Operation Cease Fire which is part of a nationwide program to reduce gun and gang violence using education and awareness along with a positive message.

"Reach out to our kids with the message that the police are the good guys," said Charla Suggs, who helped coordinate Friday's event. "Do not fear us, we are the good guys we are the ones you go to when you can't trust anybody else."

Officials say the program works, pointing to national numbers that show the overall violent crime rate in Fayetteville and the county is going down.

Spring Lake's police chief says it also helps build community trust.

"It helps with the rebuilding process with the department," Spring Lake Police Chief Troy McDuffie said. "It gives us an opportunity to still continue to rebuild that relationship with the community."

The program is nationally recognized. It is one of the first in the nation to offer a free movie night where residents can talk about crime and community issues with Fayetteville Police, Cumberland County Sheriff's Deputies, Spring Lake Police and court officials.