NATIONAL NIGHT OUT is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Last year's NNO campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.  In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2008.

The Columbia Police Department encourages you and your community to be a part of National Night Out 2009.  Plan a neighborhood event and let us know the time and location by registering here.  We will have officers out visiting as many events as possible.

For more information about National Night Out, feel free to call the Community Services Unit at the Columbia Police Department, 874-7405.