Mark Schlachtenhaufen
The Edmond Sun
EDMOND —
Edmond residents are encouraged to organize block parties and other neighborhood-centered activities as part of a nationwide crime/drug prevention event.
The 27th annual National Night Out will be Aug. 3. Neighborhood representatives are encouraged to call the city to register their event and Edmond Police officers will stop by to visit residents, let kids check out their police vehicles and provide information on local crime prevention programs, said Edmond Police Officer Randy Payne.
National Night Out is designed to: Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Police spokeswoman Glynda Chu said the event is growing in popularity in Edmond as more and more neighborhoods realize the importance of working together, and how having a friend next door can make such a positive difference.
The event is a great way for Edmond residents to meet their neighbors, Chu said.
“Police officers can’t be everywhere all the time,” Chu said. “If you have good neighbors that look out for one another, that can go a long way in cutting down on crime in your neighborhood.”
Neighbors will likely know what vehicles belong in the neighborhood, or when something looks suspicious they can call 9-1-1 and officers can be there in a matter of minutes to safely handle the situation, Chu said.
Along with the traditional display of outdoor lights and front porch vigils, cities, towns and neighborhoods “celebrate” the event with a variety of activities including block parties, cookouts, visits from local police and sheriff’s departments, parades, exhibits, flashlight walks, contests and youth programs.
Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from 14,625 communities from all 50 states. In all, about 36 million people participated in National Night Out 2009.
In 1984, the first year, 400 communities in 23 states participated in the event.
To receive additional information about National Night Out call the City of Edmond at 359-4531 or visit www.edmondok.com. For more information, call Payne at 359-4437. To register your neighborhood for National Night Out, e-mail him at rpayne@edmondok.com.
marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108
