'Giving Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party'

All Monroe residents are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 30th Annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Townspeople are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with members of the community at Wolfe Park. National Night Out will be celebrated from 5 to 9 p.m. — rain or shine.

"This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity," said Matt Peskin, the national project coordinator. "National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight to build a safer nation. On August 6, 2013, we invite neighborhoods nationwide to join us in 'Giving Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party.'"

Fun activities are planned for the whole family to enjoy. There will be a DJ, moon bounces, face painting, arts and crafts.

The following organizations will be in attendance: Monroe Police Department, Monroe, Stevenson, and Stepney Fire Departments, Monroe Volunteer EMS, Monroe Parks and Recreation, Monroe Information Technology (IT) Department, Monroe Social Services, Center for Women and Families, Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association (NEOA), ADAM, Monroe chapter of Girl Scouts, CERT, Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, Studio On The Move, Target, DJ Will, Lake Zoar Drive-In, and Rita’s Ice.

National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Monroe Police Department, will involve over 15,704 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases around the world.

In all, over 37.5 million people are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime.”  National Night Out corporate sponsors are Target, Nextdoor.com, and Associa.

National Night Out is designed to:

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

For information, call Det. Kelly McFarland at 203-452-2831 ext 1212.