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Duke in Pics: National Night Out with Duke Police

A dunk tank, live band, food and comraderie comprise annual crime prevention event

Duke Police Assistant Chief James Bjurstrom takes a dip in the dunk tank.

Duke Police Assistant Chief James Bjurstrom took a dip in the dunk tank during National Night Out on campus Tuesday. Photos by Beth Hatcher.

About 120 community members participated in Duke’s National Night Out on Tuesday, enjoying hot dogs, live music, and chances at dunking police officers in a dunk tank.

The annual event, held on Central Campus, promotes police-community partnerships. It also served as a reunion for alumni of the Duke University Police Department’s Citizens’ Police Academy, a six-week course that teaches Duke staff, faculty and students about crime prevention and police operations.

“Events like this are important to develop that connection with the community, so that they know us and we know them,” said John Dailey, Duke University police chief.

Here are some moments from Duke’s National Night Out:

Duke Police Officer Enrique Ramirez holds an information card about LiveSafe, a free app that allows students, staff and faculty to submit tips 24/7 through the touch of a button. With the “SafeWalk” feature, the app uses GPS technology that enables indiv

Duke Police Officer Enrique Ramirez holds an information card about LiveSafe, a free app that allows students, staff and faculty to submit tips 24/7 through the touch of a button. With the “SafeWalk” feature, the app uses GPS technology that enables individuals to invite others to “virtually escort” them to a location on a real-time map.

Kelly George, a community services officer with Duke Police, plays Wii “Duck Hunt” with Duke Police Officer Lachanda Williams during National Night Out on campus. “Trust me, I did terrible,” Williams said after the game finished. The Wii challenge was one

Kelly George, a community services officer with Duke Police, plays Wii “Duck Hunt” with Duke Police Officer Lachanda Williams, left, during National Night Out on campus. “Trust me, I did terrible,” Williams said after the game finished. The Wii challenge was one of several family-friendly events during Tuesday’s event.

Ann Hale, a financial care counselor with Durham Gastroenterology Consultants and an alumna of Duke’s Citizens’ Police Academy, tosses a bag during cornhole. National Night Out also functioned as a reunion for Citizens’ Police Academy, a six-week course t

Ann Hale, a financial care counselor with Duke's Durham Gastroenterology Consultants and an alumna of Duke’s Citizens’ Police Academy, tosses a bag during cornhole. National Night Out also functioned as a reunion for Citizens’ Police Academy, a six-week course that teaches Duke staff, faculty and students about crime prevention and police operations.

Duke Police Assistant Chief James Bjurstrom sits in the dunk tank as children prepare to take aim.

Duke Police Assistant Chief James Bjurstrom sits in the dunk tank as children prepare to take aim.

Duke Police Assistant Chief James Bjurstrom takes a dip in the dunk tank. Several police officers took turns in the dunk tank throughout the evening. Bjurstrom’s tips for dunking booth survival? “Try to not make people angry. When they’re angry, they’re a

Duke Police Assistant Chief James Bjurstrom takes a dip in the dunk tank. Several police officers took turns in the dunk tank throughout the evening. Bjurstrom’s tips for dunking booth survival? “Try to not make people angry. When they’re angry, they’re a little more accurate in their throw,” he said.