Bartlett Night Out lauded again

Bartlett Police Chief Dan Palmer credits one of the year's largest drug busts to neighbors who called in after seeing suspicious activity.

"The best defense is people looking out for each other," he said.

Getting citizens past any reluctance they might feel about tipping off police isn't easy. But Palmer feels his department has tried hard to foster strong relationships with residents through events like National Night Out, which brings police together with residents in a friendly atmosphere.

"National Night Out is one of the premiere events in Bartlett that residents look forward to," Palmer said.

Now the village has again received national kudos for its program, with the National Association of Town Watch awarding the Bartlett's National Night Out third place for towns of 15,000 to 50,000 people. Bartlett has received an award in 13 of 15 years, placing first last year - the third time it earned top spot.

National Night Out takes places in the summer in towns across the country. Some hold community barbecues; others may have public safety displays with crime prevention tips. Bartlett tries to do something different, like teen video game competitions.

Police and residents get to interact during National Night Out in a relaxed manner. It's a good chance, for example, to remind residents to lock their cars and that 90 percent of thefts from cars occur when doors are unlocked.

Coppell, Tex., earned the top spot in Bartlett's division. Other Illinois towns earning recognition in that division were Mundelein in fifth place, South Elgin in ninth, West Chicago in 15th; Roselle in 30th and Carol Stream in 52nd. Arlington Heights placed 25th for towns with populations between 50,000 and 100,000. For towns with fewer than 15,000, Itasca placed third, West Dundee 10th and Wood Dale 26th.

Bartlett's 2009 National Night Out is slated for Aug. 4.