National Night Out
August 6, 2024
The Lakeland Police Department will be participating in the 41st Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
National Night Out (NNO) is an annual community event designed to strengthen the police/community relationship and generate support for anti-crime programs. The goal is to build a healthier, safer city for everyone. NNO was started by the National Association of Town Watch in 1984 and is held on the first Tuesday of August.
In 2016, the NNO campaign included citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from more than 16,124 communities in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, more than 37.8 million people participated in the program. The Lakeland Police Department registered 87 parties throughout the community, with approximately 6500 people attending these.
In Lakeland, the night is an opportunity to discuss current challenges within neighborhoods and to rededicate efforts to strengthen the community. The citizens and police become acquainted, they share common goals and recommit to work together to ensure success.
Neighborhood block parties are an ideal way for neighbors to get to know each other. Along with block parties, displays of outdoor lights and front-porch gatherings, neighborhoods and communities celebrate National Night Out with a variety of activities:
• Cookouts
• Visits from local police, fire departments and commission members
• Contests
• Youth activities
