About Families Online

Feature Articles for August, 2003

National Night Out: America's Night Out Against Crime

The “20th Annual National Night Out” (NNO), a unique crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2003. Communities throughout the United States, and across Pennsylvania will participate in a variety of activities to show their support in the battle against crime and the criminal element in their neighborhoods.

Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from 9,850 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, 33 million people participated in NNO 2002.

National Night Out is designed to:
• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• 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 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.
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. Plus, the benefits your community will derive from NNO will most certainly extend well beyond the one night.
Beginning at 6:30 and lasting until 8:00 p.m., the following six Berks County communities will hold night out events:
• 11th & Pike Playground
• 1200 block Oley Street
• 1500 block Haak Street
• Centre Park, 700 block Centre Avenue
• Glennside Housing Activity Center
• 700 block Warren Street