Newark residents are invited to take part in this year’s National Night Out – a nationwide event that symbolizes communities taking a stand against crime.
To support law enforcement and take a stand against crime, Newark police are inviting neighborhoods to take part.
Last year, several residents took part by hosting neighborhood parties and gatherings, including an ice cream social near , a barbeque at Campanula Court and a potluck at Beech Place near .
And officials with , Alameda County Fire Department and Newark CERT and HAM will make rounds to visit the different events.
Residents can expect to “get to know their neighbors better [and] develop a better sense of community,” said Tim Jones, special assistant with the Newark Police Department’s Community Engagement Division.
According to newark.org, the campaign’s goals are to:
- Increase awareness of crime prevention and disaster preparedness
- Generate support and participation in local anti-crime and disaster preparedness programs
- Strengthen partnerships between the police and community along with supporting neighborhood spirit and
- Letting criminals know “neighborhoods are organized and fighting back"
Since 2011, Newark police have taken steps to better involve the community. Its has been reinstated, and now includes dozens of communities throughout town.
Community outreach has increased with the launch of Newark Police Department’s NIXLE account. that allows the police department to send alerts about a variety of topics.
Newark police’s NIXLE alerts range from daily police reports and advisories to safety tips and department announcements.
The police department is also working on launching its community policing program known as R.A.V.E.N., which stands for Ready Active Volunteers Engaged in Newark.
R.A.V.E.N. volunteers will help the department with a variety of assignments including patrol, traffic, community engagement, graffiti abatement and administrative work, according to the city's website. All who volunteer go through an application process and extensive background check.
To participate in National Night Out in Newark , contact Jones at tim.jones@newark.org and include your contact information and the location and time of your event.
To learn more about National Night Out, visit www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno.
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