On Tuesday, Aug. 7, neighborhoods throughout Lodi are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for National Night Out. This annual event will this year involve over 11,000 communities in all 50 states. In all, over 35 million people will participate in "America's Night Out Against Crime" on Aug. 7.
National Night Out:
• Heightens awareness of crime and drug prevention.
• Generates support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts.
• Strengthens neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.
• Sends a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
From 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 7, residents in neighborhoods throughout Lodi are asked to lock their doors, turn on exterior lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, contests and youth activities.
National Night Out is an extension of the Neighborhood Watch Program, which began in Lodi in 1985 and it is still going strong today. By enlisting the active participation of citizens, working with law enforcement, we can have a positive impact on crime in neighborhoods and communities. After 22 years, we continue to promote Neighborhood Watch throughout Lodi for one simple reason: Neighborhood Watch makes a difference.
Members of the Lodi Police Department, local officials, animal services, fire and ambulance personnel will visit registered "block parties" to answer citizens' questions and take part in the festivities. Each pre-registered neighborhood will also receive crime statistics for their area to discuss during the event.
Crime Prevention Officer Andrea Patterson coordinates National Night out and conducts Neighborhood Watch Meetings. "National Night Out is a community celebration," Patterson said. "It is an effective and fun-filled event that promotes neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships."
You don't have to be an organized Neighborhood Watch Group to take part in National Night Out. If you would like to participate in this year's event, or to organize a Neighborhood Watch Meeting, contact Crime Prevention Officer Andrea Patterson at 333-6863.
Any comments, questions or advice for Behind the Badge can be e-mailed to Jeanie Biskup at jbiskup@pd.lodi.gov or mailed to Lodi Police Department, 215 West Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240; or by phone at 333-6864.
Contributed by:
|
Jeanie Biskup