ROCHESTER, N.Y. — National Night Out is a community-police relations event that has taken place in cities across the country since the 1980s.

The International Plaza in Rochester’s North Clinton neighborhood was one of five city sites where the community and police came together Tuesday to celebrate National Night Out.

“This is truly why I became a police officer,” said Lieutenant Ron Malley of the Rochester Police Department. “To work together and actually see people enjoying each other’s company and fellowship.”

There was the mounted patrol, a dunk tank and lots of dancing.

Tyra’s 7-year-old daughter Jade won a bike in a raffle.

“She can’t get off of it,” Tyra said. “She’s excited. And we’re excited. This is a good event.”

After a year of protests and a violent summer, Malley says it’s important to build trust.

“We’re people first,” Malley said. “Regardless of what uniform we wear or where in life we come from, and with that, I think, comes trust. If we build that trust, and develop that foundation, I think it gets easier to work together.”

And Tyra thinks events like these certainly help.

“It starts with the small stuff, little events like this,” Tyra said. “Maybe more officers in the community that can go around and say hey, nice to meet you, get on a more personal level. And that trust will be built.”