National Night Out, which began in 1984, is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships to bring communities together and make them safer. It is designed to raise drug and crime prevention awareness, generate support for anti-crime efforts, strengthen community spirit and send a strong message to criminals that crime will not be tolerated. Millions of residents participate in National Night Out events in the U.S. on the first Tuesday in August.
Communities host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, and various other community events that include safety demonstrations, seminars, youth activities, visits from emergency personnel and exhibits.
“National Night Out provides another opportunity to support law enforcement and the men and women who protect us every day,” Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said. “These events bring the community together and give residents a chance to get to know police officers and law enforcement officials in a more relaxed setting. Now more than ever, we need to extend our support to law enforcement, and I was glad to see that each venue attracted a great turnout.”
Added Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, “National Night Out is a great opportunity to meet the public and promote crime prevention and stress the need to support local law enforcement. Public safety starts with the relationship between the police and the public. As District Attorney, I am committed to fostering good communication between our police and our communities.” Photo Gallery