National Night Out unites police, communities
Nobody likes a speeding ticket, but they're easy to prevent: Don't speed.
Nobody likes crime in their community. But how do residents prevent it?
Join forces with the local law enforcement and work together to keep drugs and crime away by participating in National Night Out, local organizers say.
Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, the annual evening of low-cost community activities, teamed with appearances and demonstrations by local law enforcement, is Tuesday, Aug. 2.
National Night Out originated as a show of solidarity to criminals and an opportunity for the public and local law enforcement officers to mingle in a more neutral setting.
“If people have any kind of questions, officers are easier to approach at this event,” said Eileen Schultz, an administrative assistant with the Wood Dale Police Department. “People get to see the police staff in a different light.”
More than 37 million people worldwide participated last year with block parties, community barbecues, youth programs and visits from local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
Participating communities this year within DuPage County are Aurora, Bensenville, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights, Itasca, Lombard, Naperville, Villa Park, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Wood Dale.
Residents in all communities are encouraged to turn on their outside house lights as a symbol against crime.
In Wood Dale, community activities run from 5 to 9 p.m. near the police department, beginning with games and prizes, raffles and a dunk tank featuring the city's new mayor, Nunzio Pulice. Free swimming at the Wood Dale Water Park takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. Additionally, organizers will give away free ice cream, hot dogs and bottled water.
“For Wood Dale, this is the one big event that really helps to build the police and community relations,” Schultz said. “And it gives police staff the opportunity to spend time with the community in a friendlier environment.”
In Carol Stream, an evening of games and inflatables runs from 6 p.m. to dusk at Community Park, at the east end of Thornhill Drive.
Leaving home after dark doesn't have to be taboo, Carol Stream Police officer Thomas Eby said.
“We're encouraging people to leave the safe haven of their homes,” Eby said. “You can come out and enjoy the community in a safe, crime-free event and have a little bit of fun with your family and friends.”
The event reinforces parents teaching children intolerance for crime at an early age, said Linda Hawkins, casework services and older adults program director with the Outreach Community Center in Carol Stream.
“This is a time for families to come out and show their kids that drugs are not the way to go, crime is not the way to go and to just get together and celebrate the community,” she said.
Lombard residents can celebrate National Night Out for the first time this year. The community's event runs 5 to 9 p.m. at Lombard Common and Paradise Bay Water Park, and includes free swimming from 7 to 9 p.m., a DJ, free gifts, refreshments and door prize drawings, and displays by local law enforcement.
“It would be awesome to see a nice showing of people from our community to join in the success of the program,” said police Lt. Roy Newton in a statement.
In Naperville, 33 neighborhoods will participate by hosting events. Naperville police and fire personnel, and some city officials, will travel to each location.
It's the city's 16th year of participation, said Nadja Lalvani, community relations manager.
“It's a great opportunity for us to reach out and have one-on-one contact and to make sure that they understand that our priority is their safety and well being,” she said. “It's also a really great chance to educate people about public safety and other services that we offer.”
If you go
What: National Night Out
When: Tuesday, Aug. 2
Where: In communities throughout DuPage County and nationwide
Cost: Varies, typically free
Info: nationalnightout.org