Neighbors throughout Long Beach will be getting out of their houses to barbecue, party and light up their front porches to raise safety awareness on Tuesday. Residents are encouraged to lock their doors, turn on their outdoor lights and spend the evening outside to send a message to criminals that neighbors are unified and looking out for one another, and working with police to keep their communities safe.
National Night Out is a nationwide celebration commonly referred to as “American’s night out against crime.” Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, it began as a campaign to aid in strengthening police-community partnerships. It also aims to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts such as neighborhood watch programs.
LBPD spokeswoman Megan Zabel said the 31st annual National Night Out is an opportunity for residents to meet their neighbors and the Long Beach Police Department in a joint effort to fight and prevent crime. The traditional “Lights On Campaign” will symbolize togetherness with front porch vigils not only in Long Beach but throughout the United States, she said.
According to Zabel, 37.8 million Americans participated in 16,124 communities nationwide last year, making it the largest National Night Out since it began in 1984.
Zabel said residents can take advantage of National Night Out by using it as an opportunity to start community watch programs in neighborhoods. “We want to encourage more community involvement in preventing and identifying crime through community watch groups,” she said.
Those hosting neighborhood events can reach out to the following officers, who will stop by parties upon request:
- East Division – Officer Claudia Lopez 562-570-5812
- West Division – Officer Kenneth Green and Jose Flores 562-570-3462
- North Division – Officer Jose Gonzalez 562-570-9827