HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (KTHV) - People came out accepting the invite from Hot Springs police in a mission to bring people out and get them involved. They called it "Bridging the Gap" between the community and public servants.
“We're here today to support their efforts," said community leader Gregory Nettles.
Police are hoping to get people out and involved with the community at their service.
"We want to show that we are supporters in the community," added Nettles.
Nettles joined hundreds in the first annual event in Hot Springs which was hosted by local police. They accepted the invitation to be a part of an effort long overdue.
"What it means for us is just really developing a more communal spirit atmosphere where there's no fear," Nettles said. "That we have faith in those people that we support."
Bridging the Gap started with an idea from Hot Springs Police Sergeant Chris Adkins.
"I thought we'd try to seize the moment," said Adkins.
With a steady stream of police involved shootings, Adkins moved to get his city in a better place in case an event like that ever came to city known for spas and horse racing. The invites went out to police officers, first responders, and public servants.
"Knowing that we have the resources here and that the community is behind us," said Adkins.
The event looks to build on already established foundations with a goal to give back to those who support the police and first responders. It's an ongoing effort to continue bridging the gap between community and law enforcement.
"This is our way to give back to the community, to all the citizens who continue to support us, that continue to reach out to us," said Hot Springs Chief of Police Jason Stachey.
With hamburgers and hot dogs bringing people together, police hope these picnic table conversations can fix a problem before it grows. Neighborhood leaders coming out shows unity in the effort of building trust in this community before events in other cities threaten to make it go away.
"To be able to say they're friends and friends of ours and whenever I dial 911 I am not concerned about what color they are," said Nettles. "They just show up."
Police said more events like the one on Sunday are something they're looking at doing on a regular basis.