The "23rd ANNUAL NATIONAL NIGHT OUT" crime prevention event took place on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2006.
This year's National Night Out campaign involved over 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide with 34 million people participating. The participants were citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials. This year's 23rd Annual NNO was largest ever!
For new areas, NATIONAL NIGHT OUT is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
In addition to the traditional porch lights and spending the evenings outdoors with neighbors, events such as block parties, visits from police, cookouts, local parades and children's safety activities are often featured in many NIGHT OUT neighborhoods. This project is an effective way to bolster volunteerism, morale and enhance police/community relations.