National Night Out is being held this Tuesday, August 5, 2008, from 6 to 9 p.m.

National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watches and is in its 25th year. Neighborhoods across the nation will lock their doors, turn on their outside lights, and spend the evening outside with neighbors. This year we have several neighborhoods hosting special events such as block parties, cookouts, and will receive visits from the police, fire, and other City departments.

National Night Out has proven to be an effective, inexpensive, and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and positive police/community partnerships. The benefits that Sioux Falls will receive from National Night Out extend well beyond this night.

What does National Night Out do?

• It heightens crime and drug prevention awareness.
• It generates support for and participation in local anticrime programs.
• It also sends a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods organize and fight back.

The following locations will be participating:

• Dugan Park
• 701 South Churchill Avenue
• Silver Park Place
• Starlite Estates
• 24th Street/VanEps Avenue
• Phillips Avenue/First Avenue and 26th Street
• 33rd Street/Glendale Avenue
• LDS Church Picnic Shelter (3900 South Fairhall Avenue)
• 600 South Edward Avenue
• Emerson Park (14th Street/Lake Avenue)

If you are interested in participating in Neighborhood Watch and National Night Out in 2009, please contact the Sioux Falls Police Department Community Service Division at 367-7229 or 367-7230.