National Night Out -- Aug. 4 

Lincoln to join cities nationwide for 'America's Night Out Against Crime'

[July 21, 2009]  On Aug. 4, neighborhoods throughout Lincoln are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the "National Night Out" crime and drug prevention event.

National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Lincoln Police Department, will involve over 15,000 communities, from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 37 million people are expected to participate in "America's Night Out Against Crime." The 26th annual event is being supported in part by Target, the national corporate sponsor.  

National Night Out is designed to:

1. Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.

2. Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts.

3. Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

4. Send a message to criminals, letting them know neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back. 

From 7 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 4, residents in neighborhoods throughout the city of Lincoln and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Citizens throughout Lincoln will be offered the opportunity to host a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, visits from the police, flashlight walks, contests, youth activities and anti-crime rallies.

"This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity," said Matt Peskin, national project coordinator. "National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizens' involvement in our fight to build a safer nation. On Aug. 4, we invite neighborhoods nationwide to join us in 'Giving Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party.'" 

The Lincoln Police Department is proud to be a co-sponsor in this National Night Out event and asks any resident who wishes to be part of this wonderful event to contact the Lincoln Police Department at 217-732-2151 to register your neighborhood. Once registered, you will be given information on making this a fun, crime-free and drug-free night. 

[Text from file received from the Lincoln Police Department]