People across Cincinnati took a stand for their neighborhoods as part of the National Night Out on Tuesday.

The event is part of a national crime-fighting initiative aimed at getting people involved in their communities.

In Cincinnati, activities ranged from almost a festival-like atmosphere in one neighborhood to a battle against prostitutes in another.

Officers kicked out the jams and showed off their gear during a street fair at the Mount Washington Recreation Center.

People were treated to free food and a chance to interact with officers in a casual atmosphere.

Resident Rebecca Laumann said she wants her children to "hopefully learn police officers are nice. They are not as mean as some people say they are."

Police showed off several of their specialized divisions such as the horse patrol, cruiser units and even the bomb squad.
It's something Citizens On Patrol -- a neighborhood watch organization -- agrees with.

"We want to take back our neighborhood and see all good things happen and cut down on crime," said Robin Stineman, of Citizens On Patrol.

Across town, the National Night Out was used to take action.