Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – The Edinburg Police Department has achieved a remarkable milestone, placing 9th in the nation in the 100,000-300,000 population category for its exceptional National Night Out (NNO) program in a competition sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. This recognition highlights Edinburg’s commitment to fostering community engagement, enhancing public safety, and building meaningful connections with residents.
National Night Out is a prestigious annual community-building campaign that encourages police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. More than 30 cities nationwide competed for the top 10 spots in this year’s program, with Edinburg standing out among entries from cities such as Pasadena, California, and Suffolk, Virginia. Edinburg also distinguished itself as one of only five Texas cities to earn a place in the top 10.
To compete for this honor, the Edinburg Police Department created a comprehensive booklet showcasing the city’s dynamic NNO efforts. The submission detailed the main event held on August 6th at Promenade Park Amphitheater and the various NNO-related activities held throughout the year. This includes safety demonstrations, community outreach programs, and initiatives aimed at strengthening relationships between law enforcement and residents.
This year’s main NNO event featured live entertainment by Tropical Panama, moon jumps, free kiddie carnival rides, a car show, and the crowd-favorite foam party. The celebration also included interactive exhibits, safety games, and demonstrations that engaged residents of all ages and underscored Edinburg’s commitment to public safety and unity.
“Our success is the result of a year-long effort to connect with our community,” said Police Chief Jaime Ayala. “Creating the in-depth booklet gave us the chance to showcase everything we do to engage with residents, and this national recognition reinforces the impact of our efforts. We are honored to represent Edinburg on the national stage and to be ranked among the best in the country.”
Edinburg’s National Night Out is part of the city’s broader efforts to foster trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. This recognition underscores the dedication of the Edinburg Police Department and the residents who come together to make the city a safer and more connected place to live.