DAPHNE, Ala.—Hundreds of residents gathered at Trione Sports Complex Tuesday for ‘National Night Out,’ a campaign that raises public awareness about law-enforcement efforts.

The highlight was a performance from Loxley police Officer Chris Chrisler and his canine companion, Torak. Chrisler conducted a practice exercise in which one bag each of marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine were hidden in separate duffel bags. The three ‘hot bags’ were joined by 10 decoy bags. Torak the ‘drug dog,’ in front of a very impressed crowd, sniffed his way to the narcotics in a matter of minutes.

“I tell people all the time,” Chrisler said, as Torak rolled on the ground chewing on a duffel bag, “when Torak sits, it’s a hit.”

Guests could participate in demonstrations from public safety officials representing the Daphne police and fire departments, the Alabama State Troopers and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.

Younger attendees toured the emergency vehicles and sat behind the wheels.

Besides traditional public-safety officers, the event allowed access to the Daphne Search and Rescue Team, allowing guests to ride its safety speedboat.

“It’s a good way to develop a better relationship with the community,” Daphne police Sgt. Robin Snider said.

Drew Williams, 14, and Wyatt Morris, 13, of Boy Scout Troop 87 of Daphne, volunteered their time to serve complimentary refreshments to parched attendees.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” Williams said of the efforts to raise awareness of law enforcement. “I feel like we’re a pretty safe community.”

Both adolescents cited the positive impact the Drug Abuse Resistance Program has had on local schools.

“I think it’s great for the people to be aware of law enforcement and safety,” city of Daphne volunteer coordinator Pat Wilden said. “There’s so many things people don’t think about that the city has.”

The ‘National Night Out’ campaign—sponsored by retailer Target—aims to: heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for and participatation in local anticrime programs; and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

“We partner with law enforcement to get involved in the community,” the local retailer’s human resources representative, Desiree Redden, said.

‘Night Out’ involves citizens, law enforcement agencies, neighborhood organizations, civic groups, businesses and local officials from more than 1,500 communities across the U.S. and Canada. Primary event sponsor National Association of Town Watch expected 37 million people to participate in this year’s event, according to its Web site.