The Newport Beach Police Department has invited the community out to their annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 4 as they “Give Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party!”
The barbecue and fair, organized by NBPD Crime Prevention Specialist Andi Querry, showcases NBPD services and aims to promote the relationship between the community and law enforcement.
The event, which runs from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bonita Canyon Sports Park. Newport Beach is among 16,000 communities across the country celebrating the day with block parties, festivals, cookouts and more.
The National Night Out campaign was launched by National Association of Town Watch, a nonprofit crime prevention organization.
“National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods a
safer, better place to live,” NATW explains. “Together, we are making that happen.”
The event aims to enhance the relationship between residents and law enforcement, “while bringing back a true sense of community and provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.”
National Association of Town Watch is comprised of a network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations and concerned citizens.
“Once upon a time, we kept our porch lights on,” the organization writes on their website. “We opened the door even if we didn’t know who rang the bell. And we could always leave the back door unlocked during the day.
During the Newport Night Out event, police will be providing information on crime and drug prevention, home security, child safety, the Citizens’ Police Academy, and Volunteers In Policing.
There will be photo opportunities and food (TK Burgers), “so don’t forget your camera and your appetite,” reads a message NBPD sent out to the community.
There will also be games, crafts and face painting for the kids along with a visit from McGruff “The Crime Fighting Dog.” Parents can also pick up free Child ID Safety Kits.
The event will also feature displays from CSI, SWAT, K-9 Officers, Animal Control, Horse Mounted Unit, and a booth from the Community Emergency Response Team.
“We work closely with the Police Department and they always welcome a CERT booth to promote disaster preparedness (during National Night Out),” said Newport Beach Fire Department Life Safety Specialist and CERT coordinator, Matt Brisbois. “We encourage all of our CERT volunteers to attend and to bring their children or grandchildren as there are a number of fun activities for kids.”
CERT volunteers will be wearing their iconic green vests and ID badges.
The community group also has an upcoming event, the 7th annual Disaster Preparedness Expo on September 19.
Also on the CERT calendar are the Fall 2015 CERT programs, set to begin the first week of October. The Newport Beach Fire Department is seeking applicants for its three fall 2015 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program classes that are scheduled to begin in early October
For CERT applications and program information, visit nbcert.org or call (949) 644-3112.
For more information about National Association of Town Watch, visit natw.org. For details about the Newport Beach event, visit nbpd.org/community/crimeprevention/nno.asp or contact Andi Querry from the NBPD Crime Prevention Unit at (949) 644-3699 or AQuerry@nbpd.org.
