Facing a sudden uptick in violent crime, members of the Albany Police Department went out to connect with residents Tuesday night.

The weather made "National Night Out" a night in of sorts, but the goal of the event stayed the same. Put on by police officers, the event includes food, dancing and entertainment for kids.

Part of a broader, national effort - it's meant to build camaraderie and trust in communities where those things can sometimes be lacking.

"Because the police are very involved, it helps them to feel like the police are friendlier,” said Sabrina Brewington of Trinity Alliance. “It gives them an opportunity to get to know them, to know their faces. And when you can put a name with a face, it makes it even better.

Event organizers added that young children specifically are much more likely to approach and learn to trust police officers at events like this.