October 3, 2011 - Houston Mayor Annise Parker and Police Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr. today (Oct. 3) joined Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia and officers from several area law enforcement agencies at a news conference to kick off the 28th annual National Night Out.

Photos of the news conference are attached to this news release.

HPD wishes to remind citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to meet the officers who patrol their neighborhoods and help strengthen police and community relations. Thousands of citizens in neighborhoods all over the city are expected to step out of their homes to meet their neighbors and renew their commitment to public safety.

On National Night Out tomorrow (Tuesday, October 4), Houston Police Chief Charles A. McClelland Jr. will visit several communities in the Houston area to interact with citizens and address their concerns.

Chief McClelland said, "National Night Out is a time for law enforcement and citizens to refocus on efforts to combat crime throughout our neighborhoods, city and region. It's one of the basic tenants of police-community relations," he said. "We know that police can't do it alone and citizens can't do it alone. It takes a combined effort," added Chief McCellland.

Citizens seeking more information on National Night Out can visit our website at www.houstonpolice.org and click on the NNO link to find their area coordinator.

VHS/JFC 10-3-11