A Going Away Party for Neighborhood Crime
Gone are the days when we felt so secure in our homes that we had no need to set a security alarm, let alone own one. We knew our neighbors by name and they knew us. Our back doors could be left unlocked during the day and we opened our front door even if we didn’t know who was knocking. Sadly, in today’s world that is no longer is possible.
Today we must remain cautious and vigilant about our safety. We find ourselves thinking and talking about safety; purchasing and installing security devices; and implementing plans in an effort to keep our families safe. There has never been a greater need for participation in a high-profile, high-impact type of crime prevention event that enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community and provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
I call it, “Say hello to your neighbors and good bye to neighborhood crime day.” Tuesday, October 6th, from 6-9 p.m. is National Night Out in Texas. NNO has been around since August 1984 when The National Association of Town Watch rolled out its predecessor, “America’s Night Out against Crime.” Their goal was simple, to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie, as well as to send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Although August is the month that NNO is celebrated in most of the country, anyone who has spent one August in Houston knows how unbearably hot and humid it can be, not to mention the dreaded mosquitos. In 2008, after 24 long years of tolerating the August heat, Texas opted to move their community event for law and order to October. We may be two months behind than the rest of the country, but we are much cooler for having done so.
I encourage everyone to join with Crime Stoppers of Houston, the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, other local law enforcement entities, community partners, and your neighbors to take a step at combating neighborhood crime by observing National Night Out in your neighborhood. Like Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland said, “This is a proven strategy and philosophy. I have always stressed that police and community partnerships are very important. The citizens are our eyes and ears. Without them, our jobs become much more difficult . . . National Night Out should be every night of the week, not just once a year.”
Sincerely
Andrea Schmauss
Former 1st Vice President, Houston Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association
PS: Don’t forget to download Crime Stoppers National Night Out Safety Tips here!
Posted by on 30 Sep 2015