Letter: National Night Out promotes police-community partnerships
This year marks the 33rd anniversary of National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safe, better places to live. All over the country, events are being held the first Tuesday in August.
The goal is to heighten crime prevention awareness, generate support for anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are fighting back.
While this one night is certainly not an answer to crime, National Night Out represents the kind of spirit, energy and determination to help make neighborhoods take a stand against crime, drugs, and gang activity, so their neighborhoods are a safer place year-round.
The Tri-Cities is very fortunate to have wonderful, dedicated people in law enforcement who care about our area and its families to participate in the annual event. Now, more than ever, is the perfect time for people to come together to show their gratitude, support and love for this community, and join the efforts in keeping it safe for everyone.
Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and Benton City are all organizing community outreach events this year. You can contact your local police department for location and times.
Mitzi Veng, Support, Advocacy & Resource Center, Kennewick
This story was originally published July 31, 2016 at 4:11 AM with the headline "Letter: National Night Out promotes police-community partnerships."