National Night Out is the nation’s “Night Out” against crime. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, residents are encouraged to join with their neighbors to have a neighborhood block party, ice cream social or other outdoor event to build neighborhood spirit and unity - which is the first defense against crime. Research shows that when neighbors know each other and look out for each other, crime goes down.

In order to have a successful celebration that fosters community safety and neighborhood organization, we are counting on neighborhood leaders like you to organize your own National Night Out Block Party. We would like to encourage you to talk to your neighbors and plan a get-together.

Not only will a National Night Out Block Party enable you to meet your neighbors and get to know them better, it will start the relationships you need to keep your family, friends, homes and neighborhood safe. This event could be the catalyst to creating a neighborhood watch or an emergency contact list. If nothing else, this event could be a good time to get together, have a Bar-B-Q and play some backyard games.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, participate in local and anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, distribute information about successful community-based crime prevention strategies and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

National Night Out is scheduled for August 1, starting at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s supposed to be a block party in your neighborhood.

Some of the Activities suggested are:

• Block Parties

• Cooks Outs

• Ice Cream Social

• Flashlight Walks

• Potluck

There are so many activity ideas. We hope you will consider organizing a National Night Out Block Party. For more information you may e-mail Capt. Susan Harrelle at sharrelle@hendrysheriff.org