Every first Tuesday in August people across the nation come together for National Night Out, a community-building campaign that promotes positive police/community partnerships in making neighborhoods safer.
This year, National Night Out is Tues., Aug. 2. In Beverly/Morgan Park, the 22nd District police is inviting residents, clergy, civic organizations, business leaders, local stake holders to meet at Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr., 4 to 7 p.m., for games, food, and fun.
The first National Night Out was held in August 1984. It was inspired by a resident of suburban Philadelphia who had a desire to have multiple communities share in the collective goal of keeping their communities safe and secure. In 1981, the man created the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) to provide information, resources and other assets between community watch organizations to keep them connected and motivated to continue working with law enforcement and other groups on community safety.
With the help of the established network of civic, community organizations, state and local law enforcement crime prevention agencies, and volunteers, the first National Night Out drew 2.5 million participants in over 400 communities.
National Night Out is now supported by 38 million neighbors in 16,000 communities across the country.
Area residents are invited to join the 22nd District for National Night Out on Aug. 2. For more information, contact the 22nd District CAPS office, 312-745-0570 or CAPS022District@chicagopolice.org.
