On Tuesday, October 5th, neighborhoods throughout Brownwood are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “27th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored locally by the Brownwood Police Department; Brown County Sheriff’s Office; Early Police Department; Bangs Police Department and the Brownwood Fire Department will involve over 14,625 communities from all 50 states, US territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 36.7 million people are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime”. NNO 2010 is being supported in part by TARGET, a national corporate sponsor.
National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
From 5:30pm to 8:30pm on October 5th, residents in neighborhoods throughout Brownwood and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods throughout Brownwood will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, visits from police, contests, youth activities, and anticrime rallies.
National Project Coordinator Matt Peskin said, “This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety, and neighborhood unity. National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight to build a safer nation. On NNO, we invite neighborhoods nationwide to join us in Giving Crime & Drugs a Going Away Party.”
The Brownwood Police Department is currently looking for block captains to organize these small gatherings in neighborhoods across the city. These gathering will be a rallying point where neighbors can meet each other, visit, and send a message to potential criminals.
“I am very excited about this year’s National Night Out,” said Brownwood Police Chief Mike Corley. “I know this is new for Brownwood, but I am looking forward to a great turnout in our community. Please get involved. It really will not be much trouble and I promise you will be glad that you did.”
City, police, and fire officials will travel around Brownwood during the event to visit these gatherings and speak to those in attendance.
“A get together with neighbors and a nice visit from one of Brownwood’s finest – what could be better?” Corley said. “I believe that the police should be part of the community and the community should be a part of the police. National Night Out helps us strengthen that partnership. I look forward to seeing you on October 5th and please call us if you have any questions at all.”
For more information or to register as a block captain, contact Officer Chandra Means at 325-646-2525 or the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535.
