Date:

July 12, 2006

For More Information Contact:

Officer Katherine Finnell, Public Information Officer, 441-7226

On Tuesday, August 1st, neighborhoods throughout Lincoln are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “23rd Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime/drug prevention event. National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Lincoln Police Department, will involve about 10,000 communities from all 50 states. In all, over 34 million people are expected to participate in ‘America’s Night Out against Crime’ on August 1st.

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

From 7 to 10 PM on August 1st, residents in neighborhoods throughout Lincoln and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods throughout Lincoln will be hosting a variety of events such as block parties, cookouts and group walks.

A list of local NNO events is available to the media upon request.

Contact: Officer Ed McMeen, Education & Personnel Unit, 402 441-7261