Annual picnic helps Bismarck Police foster community relations

Bismarck, North Dakota – On Saturday, the Bismarck Police Department sponsored its yearly neighborhood barbecue. This year, Sertoma Park served as the new venue, and food was offered.

Residents had the chance to interact with police officers, hang around with them, and get close to their patrol cars.

The various positions that officers hold within the department were also explained by the officers. This, according to Bismarck officers, is a method for the public to view officers in a different light.

“We always have a lot of good work that the officers do and that often goes unseen at times, just because of the call volume the officers have. When we can get out and actually show them more of what we do and why we do the things that we do, to have that positive bond with the community is what we are looking for,” said Dustin Miller, support service sergeant with the Bismarck Police Department.

According to Bismarck Police, situations like these can significantly alter an officer’s viewpoint from that of when they are responding to regular calls for service and crimes throughout the year. Every time they can interact well with neighbors and their children, it just helps them develop more fulfilling careers.