What began as a token show of porch lights shining across America has grown into one of the most important police and community programs in our history. National Nightestablished in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch, it brings together residents, law enforcement, and many levels of government and businesses on a designated date to strengthen police-community partnerships and build safer, more supportive communities.
More than 16,000 communities in all 50 states will participate this year. Most states celebrate National Night Out on the first Tuesday in August. Texas celebrates the first Tuesday in October because of the summer heat.
At first glance, National Night Out might just look like a big block party. Hot dogs, ice cream, face painting, bounce houses and music. But inside National Night Out, there’s a lot of great stuff. Neighbors go out to meet their colleagues. Residents are out to greet and eat with the local police, under positive circumstances. Children learn that our first responders are their friends.
National Night Out is not a theft, traffic citation, robbery or medical emergency. It’s a quiet and fun night to meet with neighbors and law enforcement and promote unity. Narrow neighborhoods are safe neighborhoods.
In Dallas, more than 90 neighborhoods have registered for National Night Out events scheduled this year across the city, said Kristin Lowman, assistant director of public information for the Dallas Police Department.
Community involvement is among the deterrence strategies of local police departments, such as Dallas, and National Night Out has become an important component.
Former U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison said it most aptly: “The best way to build a safer community is to know your neighbors and your surroundings. National night out triumphs over a culture that isolates us from one another others and allows us to rediscover our own communities”
In the 1940s and 1950s, neighborhoods were safer places because neighbors knew neighbors, they routinely looked out for each other, and everyone knew the cop on the beat. National Night Out is an effort to strengthen community ties. The relationships that are created or strengthened at National Night Out go a long way toward building safer communities. When you know your neighbors and are partners with your local police, criminals will move to another neighborhood.
Annually, Texas is one of the top National Night Out states in the country. The state always has an impressive number of participating cities and towns. Great participation. Amazing events. Strong support for first responders.
After 38 years, thousands of communities across the country have taken advantage of this partnership between neighbors and law enforcement. More than 38 million residents have participated in National Night Out.
We encourage you to participate in a national night near you. Meet a new neighbor and thank your local police for the work they do every day. Make it a great night. In Texas, 392 cities are part of this effort.
Matt Peskin is the executive director of the National Association of Town Watch and creator of National Night Out. Individuals, agencies or organizations interested in additional information about National Night Out can visit nno.org. He wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.
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