2009 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT - AUGUST 4TH
On Tuesday, August 4, 2009 from 6-10 p.m., neighborhoods throughout Salem joined forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the "26th Annual National Night Out" crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Salem Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies, involves over 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. Salem celebrated with a record-breaking 180 block parties throughout the city. Eighteen of Salem's 19 neighborhood associations participated. In the number one spot was South Gateway with 31 block parties, while West Salem took second place with 29 parties. Rounding third was the Northeast Neighbors area with 15 block parties.
National Night Out provides an opportunity for all community members to get to know one another and build strong networks of communication about what’s happening in the neighborhood. Many neighborhoods throughout Salem hosted a variety of special events such as block parties, BBQ's, parades, flashlight walks, contests and youth activities. Officers from the Salem Police Department dropped in to visit with neighbors and talk about important crime prevention tips. National Night Out is designed to (1) heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) generate support for, and participation in local anti-crime efforts; (3) strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
An idea which has been part of National Night Out for sometime has been Project 365, which suggests that a neighborhood start a special community project in their area with a goal to complete or achieve that goal on National Night Out. For example, some areas have neighborhood clean-up, graffiti paint-overs, expanding Neighborhood Watch or other neighborhood problems as their project. This year, some block parties in West Salem sponsored food drives. Neighbors brought canned food donations to the party and then presented them to a neighbor in need or a local food share.
It is never too early to start planning for the next National Night Out, which will be August 3, 2010. If you want a visit from the Salem Police Department and a costumed mascot you need to register early. Scheduling of visits are done by area and requests are numerous, so flexibility of time is imperative. Registration forms for the 2010 season will be available in May. If you have never hosted a party or would like some ideas, check out our Block Party Booklet, which is intended to give you some helpful hints on how to make your neighborhood activity a safe and resounding success! Also, watch for announcements on the date of our National Night Out Kickoff Party which occurs in July. The event is an opportunity for registered block party hosts to pick up some last minute party ideas, confirm street closure or park use permits, as well as pick up their commemorative Salem Police Department National Night Out t-shirt to wear at their very own block party.
If you want to close your street or utilize a City park for a party during National Night Out, a permit is required. Permit fees are waived for National Night Out, and signs and barricades are made available for this special event at no cost to the users. Contact Becky George, Parks and Transportation Services Division, directly at 503-588-6211, for a temporary street closure permit or park usage permit.
If you have any questions regarding this event, call the Salem Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at 503-588-6175.
Do you live outside the Salem city limits? For information regarding crime prevention in Marion County, please contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit at 503-588-7981 or check out their web site at http://www.co.marion.or.us/SO/Operations/programs/
If you live in the city of Keizer, please contact the Keizer Police Department Community Services Unit at 503-856-3475 or visit their web site at www.keizerpd.com