It was a big turnout Tuesday when Mount Vernon held its National Night Out event. It's a night aimed at building stronger relationships between police and the community, while also highlighting safety.

"To see so many people is very positive," says Mount Vernon resident Rochelle Watson.

It's something Mount Vernon resident Rochelle Watson says she looks forward to every year.

She says it's fun but more importantly, it's about the meaning behind it all.

"It's good to know the people that are protecting us and serving us and making sure that we're OK," says Watson.

The goal of the night is to give police and neighbors the chance to connect with a heavy focus on safety.

"This is beneficial, but we need more than bouncy houses and cookouts," says Mount Vernon community activist, Jesse Van Lew.

It's an issue Van Lew says the city needs to take more seriously.

So far this year, there have been nine shootings that ended with someone hurt. Earlier this month, a man was stabbed to death.

Despite that data, the Mount Vernon police commissioner says violent crime is actually down.

"The hard work from our detectives and police officers are keeping our community safe," says Mount Vernon Police Commissioner, David Gibson.

The mayor says events like the one Tuesday also help in their goal to keep people safe.

"We're constantly looking for opportunities to bring our young people out and provide safe environments for them," says Mount Vernon mayor, Shawyn Patterson-Howard.

Going forward, city leaders like Gibson say they'll be working on getting more officers on the force while enhancing their community policing.