Newport Beach residents can get a close-up look at the police department's SWAT vehicle, meet K-9 officers and pet mounted unit horses on Tuesday, August 4, when NBPD hosts its annual National Night Out at Bonita Canyon Sports Park.

The free event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. at the park, 1990 Ford Road. Displays will include the CSI department, the SWAT team and its armored vehicle, a K-9 unit, Animal Control and Mounted Unit officers with their horses, according to the Newport Beach Indy.

Admission is free.

Kids can expect games, crafts and a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog. Food and photo opportunities will also be available. At last year's event, Motor Officer Kelsey Parrish let 3-year-old Kate Barrette sit on her BMW motorcycle, the kind of hands-on moment the department says defines the night.

The Crime Prevention Unit will staff tables with information on home security, drug prevention, child safety and the Citizens' Police Academy. Residents interested in the Volunteers In Policing program can also sign up for details.

Event comes weeks after July 4 takeover

The event comes roughly four weeks after a social media-driven mob descended on the Balboa Peninsula on Saturday, July 4, prompting 439 arrests over the holiday weekend. About 96% of those arrested traveled from outside Newport Beach, including 35% from Arizona, according to a city recap. More than 70% were between the ages of 18 and 25, and an additional 20% were between 13 and 17. About 400 officers from NBPD and 17 partner agencies responded.

Police Chief Dave Miner said on July 5, in the aftermath of the takeover, that "our officers remained focused on one priority throughout the evening, protecting our community and restoring public safety."

Since then, the City Council has moved forward with discussions on potential municipal code changes, including a youth curfew and restrictions on mass gatherings organized through social media. Council members voted July 28 to continue studying those proposals.

National Night Out is held the first Tuesday in August across thousands of communities nationwide, bringing police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

For questions, contact the NBPD Crime Prevention Unit at (949) 644-3699.