National Night Out 2015

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Charleston's Night Out Against Crime

Previous National Night Out events have involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, neighborhood organizations, neighborhood crime watch groups, and local officials from all over the City of Charleston. The events are designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Along with traditional displays of outdoor lights and front porch vigils, City of Charleston neighborhoods have participated in a variety of events over the years that have included block parties, cook outs, visits from local police, fire department and City officials, flashlight walks, contests, and youth programs. Participating in National Night Out is an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program that promotes neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our efforts in maintaining a safe community.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR EVENT

1. Talk to your neighbors and invite them to help.

• As with planning any event, the more the better!

2. Decide what kind of event you want to have:

• Block party
• Cookout or potluck
• Watermelon or ice cream social

3. Pick a time and a place.

• Someone's yard
• Nearby park or public street (Remember, if you plan to use a neighborhood park or wish to close off a public street for your NNO event, please contact the individual listed below)

4. Spread the word.

• Let your neighbors know what is planned and invite them to participate
• If you need help with creating a flyer/invite, contact Public Services for assistance.

5. Depending on what your event is, encourage neighbors to bring something, such as:

• lawn chairs
• potluck items
• BBQ grills
• Trash and recycling bags
• music
• their own plates, cups, bowls and utensils (to avoid disposables and creating a lot of trash)

6. Create a 'contact map' for your neighborhood so that everyone has an emergency contact number for each household

7. Other ideas

• if you have a neighborhood fire station, invite them directly
• Send an invitation to the police department
• Get local neighborhood businesses involved

If your neighborhood organization or neighborhood watch group are planning a National Night Out event, please contact the Public Services Unit:
Sergeant Paul Perdue
[email protected]
Charleston Police Department
Public Services Unit
501 Virginia St. E.
Charleston, WV 25301
Office: (304)348-6470 Ext. 4917