NATCHEZ — In the aftermath of violence across the country — including the deaths of 10 police officers in the past month — area law enforcement officers will take to the streets Tuesday in an effort to ensure Miss-Lou residents know they are here to protect and serve.

Officers from the Natchez, Vidalia and Ferriday police departments as well as deputies from the Adams County and Concordia Parish sheriff’s offices will participate in the annual National Night Out, an event that happens in communities throughout the country.

National Night Out began in 1984 as an effort to promote involvement in crime-prevention activities and police-community partnerships, such as Neighborhood Watch programs.

It is more important than ever now, Natchez Police Detective Jerry Ford said.

“In light of all the things going on in law enforcement in different communities around the country, we just want to let people know that we are still here and bonded with our residents here,” Ford said. “We want to unify our community, and we want to build on the relationship we have with the community so people can have a better understanding and a better perception of law enforcement. We are making sure we are building the bridges it takes to keep our community safe.”

Local law enforcement will caravan in their vehicles to neighborhoods throughout the Miss-Lou, making various stops to visit with residents.

It is an opportunity, Ford said, for residents to meet law enforcement officers and officials, ask questions and voice concerns.

“Any questions, any concerns, we will be there to answer them,” Ford said.

National Night Out festivities will begin with law enforcement departing from the Natchez Police Department at 1 p.m. headed to the Ferriday Police Department.

The caravan will spend approximately 15 minutes at each stop.

The first stop is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at Haney’s Big House in Ferriday.

The caravan will then proceed to Vidalia, where it is scheduled to stop at Vidalia’s Delta Bank community room at 2:15 p.m., Walnut Street at 2:25 p.m. and then the resource center at 103 Fourth St. at 2:50 p.m.

From there, law enforcement will travel through Natchez and Adams County, starting with a stop at Providence Ball Park at 3:15 p.m.

Stops include Roselawn neighborhood at 3:40 p.m., Parkway Baptist Church at 4:05 p.m., Westover Heights neighborhood at 4:30 p.m., Oak Ridge Manor community at 4:55 p.m., Foresite neighborhood at 5:20 p.m., Broadmoor neighborhood at 5:45 p.m., Cambridge Heights at 6:10 p.m., West Stiers Lane at 6:35 p.m., Gayosa Avenue at 7 p.m., Minor Street at 7:25 p.m. and Woodlawn at 7:50 p.m.