National Night Out - August 1st

21 July 2006

On Tuesday, August 1st, citizens, law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses and local officials in close to 11,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide will join forces to mark the "23rd Annual National Night Out" (NNO) -- which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) -- in partnership with Target and the U.S. Department of Justice. Nationally, over 34 million people are expected to participate in 'America's Night Out Against Crime' this year.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060720/PHTH033LOGO)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020723/NNOBWLOGO)

"This is a night for neighborhoods nationwide to come out and stand united against crime," said Matt Peskin, creator of the event and its National Project Coordinator. "National Night Out offers an extraordinary opportunity for citizens, community groups, law enforcement and local officials to get out, meet, greet and discuss local safety issues." He added, "We are fortunate to have Target as our national sponsor. They have done a wonderful job in helping us to expand NNO to many new cities and towns."

On the evening of August 1st, 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.

"Target is sponsoring National Night Out because we share the same commitment -- to promote safeness, and strengthen families in our local communities," said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. "Our partnership helps National Night Out further spread their message of safety awareness to neighborhoods across the country."

National Night Out is designed to:

(1) Heighten crime, drug and violence prevention awareness;

(2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;

(3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships;

(4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are

organized and fighting back.

"Project 365" is a unique component to the National Night Out campaign. On August 1st, many cities and towns across America will target a "problem area" (crime, drugs, graffiti, gangs, etc.) in their community. During the next "365" days, police and neighborhood groups will be working to solve or improve upon the problem. On National Night Out next year, they will announce the results -- and also select an initiative for the following year. Peskin said, "This is a great way to keep the spirit and momentum of National Night Out working throughout the year."

For more information, visit the Association's web site at http://www.nationalnightout.org.

Source: prnewswire

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