Released by Tameka Kenan-Norman
Twenty Rocky Mount area communities have registered to host various events for the nation’s annual National Night Out, surpassing last year’s total. The August 2, 2016, event encourages various communities to host individual activities engaging citizens and law enforcement.
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and residents are fighting back.
According to Yvette Jones, community services supervisor for the city of Rocky Mount NC, National Night Out brings communities together and strengthens community-police relationships throughout the area.
“The growth of this event speaks to the efforts our police department and citizens have made to come together and present a united front against crime,” says Jones. “I think that it will continue to strengthen the partnership between the police and our citizens for a more sustainable community.”
Linda Jones, support services division manager for the Rocky Mount Police Department, concurs and adds that the relationships the police build with the local communities and residents is an ongoing effort.
“We continue to build relationships with our neighborhoods year-round,” says Jones. “The increase this year is indicative of the support of our neighborhoods and the partnerships we work hard to build with our citizens.”
Each community involved with National Night Out may have a unique idea, such as a parade, a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog, an ice cream social or a cook out. Officers from the Rocky Mount Police Department will visit the various communities and will speak on their selected topic, which may range from a home security devices display or a drug presentation, to information on home and personal safety.
For more information on National Night Out, contact Yvette Jones at 252.972.1436.
