The event will again be a collaborative effort between the Halifax County Sheriff's Office and the Roanoke Rapids and Weldon police departments. The Scotland Neck and Littleton police departments will also be joining.

(The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)

In addition, there will be a twist this year as the HCC basic law enforcement training program and the college's admissions department joins in, said Deputy Chief Andy Jackson of Roanoke Rapids.

“I think BLET helps the community as a whole by offering education and the opportunity to obtain work,” Jackson said in a briefing announcing the event today.

In fact, said Greg Parker, the college's law enforcement coordinator and BLET director, there are currently 300 law enforcement openings across the state.

Jackson said having the event at The Centre takes away the heat element as well as the need to find an alternate place in the event of rain.

The band this year will be the Fantastic Shakers. Their appearance, Jackson said, is a reunion of sorts, as the band played the first big National Night Out event in Roanoke Rapids 10 years ago.

The band is a favorite of the beach music scene and has earned multiple awards for their performances.

The event is for the entire community, said Deputy Chief James Avens of the Weldon Police Department. “It's about coming together to make a difference. With all the things you see on the news, this will be something fun and positive.”

The evening, as usual, will bring community resources under one roof, Avens said.

“All communities have similar issues,” Parker said. “Criminals don't respect jurisdictional lines.”

Sheriff Wes Tripp said the evening shows how law enforcement is partnering to fight crime. “We stand shoulder to shoulder. We can't do it all by ourselves.”

Tripp said he was pleased BLET is participating this year. “They're our future law enforcement officers.”

The event, said Tripp, “Let's the community see we have a heart and puts a friendly face behind the badge.”

Jackson said the event will not only feature the band, but food and children's entertainment.

Since the admissions office is also a sponsor this year, there will information for those wishing to enroll at the college, said Bernard Washington, director of admissions and recruitment. “We will talk to them about the admissions process, vo-tech and college transfers and encourage them to apply for financial aid.”