Taking a Stand Against Crime

National Night Out

By Bill Ludwig

The 30th annual National Night Out (NNO) against crime will be held on Tuesday,
Aug. 6th.

The 47th Precinct will be holding NNO activities from 4-8 p.m. at Granada Place
between Ely Avenue and Laconia Avenue, across the street from the 47th
Precinct.

This year’s theme is “Respect Your Neighbors - Think Quality of Life!” The opening ceremony will be at 5 p.m. The event is being co-sponsored by the 47th Precinct and the 47th Precinct Community Council. Deputy Inspector Brian Mullen and Community Affairs Officers David Belle and Jason Soto and the 47th Precinct Community Council have planned an enjoyable afternoon and evening for children and adults. Our elected officials have been invited. The 47th Precinct Clergy Coalition will have a prayer march in the vicinity of the 47th precinct starting at 4:45 p.m. before the opening ceremony.

There will be representatives at tables from New York City agencies and other
organizations who will be giving out valuable free information. The League, which is
celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, will have a table and will be distributing
McGruff “Take a Bite Out of Crime” 48 page memo pads. Food and refreshments
will be served. For children’s activities there will be rides and games. There will
also be entertainment for the community to enjoy. Bring the family out, learn about crime prevention, and have fun at the same time.

The slogans this year is: “Get Involved, Help Unite Our Community, Say No to
Drugs, No All Night Parties, Talk to Your Neighbors, Love Your Block, Do Not Block
Your Neighbor’s Driveway, No Loud Music, and A Quiet Neighborhood is a Good
Neighborhood.”

So, what exactly is NNO? It is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored
by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). The NATW is a nationwide organization dedicated to the development, maintenance, and promotion of community-bases, law enforcement-affiliated crime prevention activities. NNO is designed to (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime 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.

Along with the traditional display of outdoor lights and front door porch vigils, cities, towns and neighborhoods “celebrate” NNO with a variety of events and activities such as: block parties, cookouts, visits from local police, parades, flashlight walks, contests, and youth programs. An event doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. It can be as simple as having a conversation in a neighbor’s backyard.

The important thing is to talk to your neighbors and plan to get together. NNO has
proven to be an effective, inexpensive, and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer
nation. More than 37 million people are expected to participate in various anti-
crime programs and activities this year. The event involves 15,000 communities
from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

Remember, the key to participating in NNO is: turn your outside lights on, come
outside to meet your neighbors, and participate in your neighborhood’s special
events. This way you can be a part of the nation’s largest annual crime/drug
prevention event on Tuesday evening, August 6th.