MAIN Society Police National Night Out

National Night Out was first established in 1984 by Matt Peskin of the National Association of Town Watch.

The purpose of the National Night Out, which is organized in conjunction with various police organizations nationwide, is to inform the public about various police programs and community programs such as drug prevention initiatives and town watch organizations that exist to keep people safe and fight crime in neighborhoods everywhere.

As National Night Out always occurs on the first Tuesday in August, watch for this year's 26th annual gatherings and festivities to be scheduled for August 4, 2009

The first National Night Outs were fairly simple. In most communities, it amounted largely to lights on vigils and some basic information being delivered to the community. The event was quite popular however, drawing out two and one half million participants in both Canada and the United States.

Today, National Night Out draws in over thirty five million people from over ten thousand different communities across North America, and the event has changed in other ways, too.

Now, the focus of National Night Out is especially on bringing neighbors and communities together, and festivals, block parties, cookouts, parades, and various other similar events are common ways for communities to come together on National Night Out. To join in the serious fun, call your local police precint or surf around the Net for more information (see below.)

The organization behind National Night Out is, of course, always looking to add new communities to their rosters, and they make it very easy for unrepresented communities to join their ranks. Organizers provide promotional material and promotion ideas, tips and guidelines on how to organize, and samples of press releases and proclamations that can be modified to get the word out about a new community's first National Night Out.

More about National Night Out around the Web:

National Night Out 2009 - The official site with the latest updates and community happenings around the country, including video presenations, visitor submitted photos, FAQ, related neighborhood safety resources.

National Crime Prevention Council - Traditional partners against crime with the NNO, with helpful information on preventing crime and staying safe at home, school or work, with helpful tips on forming a neighborhood watch in our community.

also see in Home Legal Guide -> Crime Victims Aid & Support

also see -> Cop Forums & Chat Rooms