BPD gets set for National Night Out

By: 
STAFF REPORT

The members of the Braidwood Police Department are already planning on having a busy night in August.

Tuesday, Aug. 1 marks its 5th annual National Night Out event.

Braidwood will be one of thousands of departments to participate in the nationwide event, designed to heighten drug prevention and crime awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

This year’s event will again take place at Old Smokey City Park, from 6 until 9 p.m.

Last year’s event drew hundreds of folks out for games, fun, music, and food, as well as to communicate with local law enforcement.

In addition to a reptile show, face painting, a dunk tank, and food, the event is also educational for the general public. Those who head out this year will witness a K-9 demonstration, as well as a helicopter display.

The BPD will also provide finger printing for children.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live.

The National Night Out program culminates annually on the first Tuesday of August, and is celebrated in all 50 states, United States territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide organization dedicated to the development, maintenance, and protection of community-based, law enforcement-affiliated crime prevention activities.

National Night Out was developed as a crime prevention program that emphasizes building a partnership between the police and the community. Community involvement in crime prevention is generated through a multitude of local events, such as block parties, cookouts, parades, contests, youth activities, and seminars.