Tonight from 5:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., City officials will partner with Alexandria Police to celebrate the 29th Annual National Night Out in many neighborhoods around Alexandria. The special celebration is part of a nationwide crime and drug prevention effort sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW).

To heighten awareness of crime prevention, residents in more than 30 Alexandria neighborhoods will turn on their porch lights, host neighborhood cook-outs and sponsor block parties in support of National Night Out. Mayor William D. Euille, City Manager Rashad M. Young, members of City Council and Chief of Police Earl L. Cook will reaffirm the City’s commitment to fighting crime by visiting residents throughout the City.

McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog, K-9 Unit, Motor Unit, Bike Patrol, Command Bus, Armored Motor Carrier and the Crime Scene Mobile Lab will tour neighborhoods and offer special demonstrations.

National Night Out, a year-long community building campaign, is designed to:

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

Exit question: Would you be willing to help me organize a block party for Carlyle next year in support of National Night Out? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.