Join us in Preparing for National Night Out 2007

July 19, 2007 - The Houston Police Department is looking forward to working with the community and media outlets to promote the 24th annual National Night Out event in Houston/Harris County.

National Night Out was founded in 1983 by Matt Peskin in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, and is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). It is expected that National Night Out 2007 will involve over 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases around the world. Last year’s campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from 11,125 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, 35.2 million people participated in NNO 2006.

National Night Out is designed to (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The Houston/Harris County event will take place on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Along with the traditional display of porch lights and front porch vigils, National Night Out will be celebrated by neighborhoods and communities with a variety of events and activities such as block parties, cookouts, parades, flashlight walks, contests, youth programs and visits from local police.

Communities that would like more information and media outlets interested in presentations/interviews can contact Officer Jesse Martinez from the Public Affairs Division at (713) 308-3200.

JGA/MES/JM 7-19-07

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.