Washington Police Department is hosting National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1 from 5-8:30 p.m. at Beebee Memorial Park.

The event, which is part of a national effort to build trust between communities and law enforcement, will feature food and games, music, a raffle and other activities.

“We call it a kind of block party for all of the neighborhoods and community to come out and be a part of,” said Kimberly Grimes, community outreach manager at Washington Police Department.

Terrance Copper, a former Pam Pack football star and NFL wide receiver, will sign autographs.

Copper and his Winterville-based training facility, The Premier Sports Academy, have partnered with Washington PD for the event, said Grimes. Copper donated certain items for a raffle, which will give away bikes, iPods and a 40-inch television.

“It is very important to show the community that we serve and support them. We want them to feel comfortable in being able to come to us,” said Grimes. “We want the community to know we really care.”

Several law enforcement groups will be showing they care by participating Tuesday night. Washington PD, Highway Patrol, Beaufort County Crime Stoppers, Washington Fire Department and other organizations will participate.

The Fire Department will be sponsoring an obstacle course.

“This is something new that I think the kids will totally love,” said Grimes.

Community members can look forward to free icees from Kona Ice along with hot dogs, chips and drinks.

Washington PD partnered with Washington Housing Authority, Premier Sports Academy, Zaxby’s, PotashCorp-Aurora, Bright Futures, Food Lion and the City of Washington to put on the event.

National Night Out is a national event that began outside Pennsylvania in 1984, according to its website. It is a “community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships.”

Grimes said it has been going on in Washington for about a decade, and encourages everyone to “come out to a positive, family event where there’s something for everybody to come out and be a part of.”