Somerville's ninth annual National Night Out took place Tuesday night at Foss Park.

National Night Out, celebrated in cities and towns across the country, brings together law enforcement and community members in an effort to strengthen ties and unite against drugs and crime.

Somerville Police Chief Thomas Pasquarello, at Foss Park, said, "Any event that brings the community and the police department together is a succes."

Police are more succesful at preventing crime when the whole community is involved, he said, and "the solidarity between police and the community" is critical.

The city of Somerville, the Somerville Police Department and Somerville Cares About Prevention hosted Tuesday's festivities.

Pasquarello said about 750 to 1000 people attended the event.