Delray Police Encourage Residents to Join National Night Out
By CRA News Service
DELRAY BEACH -The Delray Beach Police Department is inviting residents to attend a neighborhood party on Tuesday, Aug. 4, to celebrate National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime.”
Police officials are also encouraging residents to lock their doors, turn on their outside lights to show their support for this event and to spend the evening with their neighbors, community groups, public safety officers and their city officials at the Tennis Center, 201 W. Atlantic Ave.
The free party will be from 7 to 10 p.m.
“It’s not just for folks in the neighborhood,” Police Chief Jeffrey Goldman said. “It’s a great event for fun, friends and the community. The purpose is community awareness and to help bring the community together to eliminate crime and drug problems. If you don’t know your neighbors — this is a great opportunity to meet them.”
This is the first year that the agency is participating in the annual community event, which is in its 32nd year nationwide. More than 37.8 million people and 16,124 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world participate in the event.
Goldman said National Night Out is an excellent way to build neighborhood relationships and to strengthen police and community partnerships.
Founded in 1984, National Night Out is designed to:
- Heighten crime awareness and drug-prevention awareness
- Promote involvement in crime prevention, police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
- Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs
- Strengthen neighborhood spirit
- Send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back
Several communities have used the event as a tool to initiate local Neighborhood Watch groups and to get reacquainted with their neighbors. Most National Night Out parties become neighborhood potluck dinners, cookouts, ice cream socials, dessert parties and parades that last well into the evening.
Some neighborhoods will host flashlight walks, safety fairs, poster and essay contests and neighborhood meetings.
At the Delray Beach event, there will be activities, music, food and entertainment. Residents will also see police cars and there will be demonstrations from the SWAT team, K-9 officers, Traffic (motorcycle unit) and the Police Explorers.
“While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out represents the kind of spirit, energy and determination to help make neighborhoods a safer place year round,” Goldman said. “It is a wonderful opportunity for communities across the city to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie.”
