Officers across the country and in Connecticut met with families Tuesday night as part of National Night Out.

The Norwalk Police Department has been taking part in National Night Out for several years. After a year off, the highly anticipated event finally returned.

Police say it's all about making the community they protect and serve safer and stronger.

The Norwalk Police Department's fifth annual National Night Out took place outside police headquarters on Monroe Street in Norwalk.

The family-friendly event features food, games, music and more. Several social service agencies were also on hand for those who need them.

National Night Out was started in the 1980s as a way for law enforcement officers across the country to come together with the communities they protect and serve.

Police say attendance has gone up every year they've done this.

Police add that with the pandemic, it's important for community policing events like National Night Out to return.