National Night Out

In 1981, the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) was founded to provide resources and support to community watch groups, helping them stay informed and protect their neighborhoods. Three years later, in 1984, National Night Out (NNO) was introduced through established networks of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups and regional crime prevention associations. NNO is an annual community-building campaign promoting police/community partnerships and fosters neighborhood camaraderie to create safer and more caring neighborhoods.

The Westerville Division of Police (WPD), along with 107 other municipalities in Ohio, participates in this community-building program every year. NNO, now entering its 40th year, is held annually on the first Tuesday of August. According to NATW, more than 38 million neighbors across 16,000 communities participated in NNO last year. Westerville has been actively participating for most of its history.

The WPD is committed to maintaining safe and vibrant neighborhoods in the City and encourages more neighborhoods to participate in NNO. Building a sense of community within neighborhoods is one of the division’s main objectives.

“Building connections between neighborhoods and neighbors is a central goal of National Night Out. When neighborhoods have good relationships with each other and with law enforcement, our community becomes a safer place to live. Connected neighborhoods are safe neighborhoods,” said Lieutenant Greg Franey of the Community Services Bureau.

WPD, with the support of many neighborhoods, will participate in NNO with an event on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 6 - 9 p.m. at Huber Village Park (362 Huber Village Blvd.). If you are interested in hosting an event in your neighborhood, follow these steps:

1. Register with the National Night Out registry at NATW.org

2. Once registration is complete, contact WPD Community Services at crimeprevention@westerville.org.

3. If you are planning to host a block party, please complete a permit application, which can be found www.westerville.org/permits

Neighborhoods take a variety of creative approaches to hosting NNO events. Events could include:

☑ Block parties

☑ Cookouts

☑ Mini concerts

☑ Movie nights

☑ Organizing a charity collection or drive

☑ Sports tournaments or game night

☑ House decorating contests