On Tuesday, Aug. 5, citizens, law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses and local officials in more than 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide will join forces to mark the 20th Annual “National Night Out” (NNO), an annual crime prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). Nationally, greater than 33 million people will participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime” this year.
Between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., along with the traditional “lights on” and front porch vigils, there will be thousands of crime prevention block parties, cookouts, ice cream socials, parades, neighborhood visits by local police and sheriff’s departments, flashlight walks, safety fairs, poster and essay contests, and neighborhood meetings.
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime, drug and violence prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Along with nearly every major U.S. city, NNO 2003 will also involve thousands of suburban and rural communities. For more information, go to www.nationalnightout.org.
