This year marks the 26th anniversary of the National Night Out program. All over the country, over 9,500 communities are participating in events during this week that celebrate residents and police officers working together to keep our neighborhoods safe. Citizens, businesses, schools and civic groups all participate in these campaigns that serve to send a clear message to criminals.
These celebrations take the form of block parties, cook outs, candlelight vigils, sports events, and or other activities that involve people of all ages.
The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. has seen NNO help local communities in several ways:
- Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.
- NNO helps generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs.
- Bringing neighbors together by strengthening neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.
- Sends a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Contact your local law enforcement today to find out about events in your community, and check out the NNO site to find out what other communities have done.