National Night Out 2014 will be celebrated on Tuesday August 5th between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
Help Us Celebrate 31 Years of National Night Out Against Crime!
What is National Night Out Against Crime?
It is held on the first Tuesday of August each year and it is a time for communities to come together, build relationships and stand united against crime. All neighborhoods are encouraged to have an outside event that evening. A going away party for the criminals… if you will! The focus is making Bellingham a safer place to live.
How big is the National Night Out Against Crime event?
Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 16,124 communities. In all, over 37.8 million participated in the National Night Out 2013. This year, we want to see that number grow.
National Night Out is designed to:
- Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
- Generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs
- Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and
- Send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back
How do you organize a National Night Out event in your neighborhood?
Simply host a social gathering on your block in the early evening of Tuesday August 5. Examples of past successful events have been:
- BBQ’s
- Ice cream socials
- Pot luck neighborhood dinners
- Neighborhood cookouts
If you live in Bellingham and want a representative from the Police Department, WhatComm Dispatch (911) Center, or Office of Emergency Management to attend your event, register as soon as possible using the contact information below. (You just need to let us know you want a guest speaker.) The speaker will answer questions and talk about their particular area of expertise. Guest speakers are limited so request early. The first forty registered events will receive a free NNO 2014 BBQ apron, balloons and other assorted items to hand out at your event.
Not only has National Night Out proven to be an effective and inexpensive program, it’s also a fun way to promote safer neighborhoods and police-community partnerships. The benefit offered to neighbors getting out and meeting each other is priceless. Join this years effort. Commit to hosting a National Night Out event in your neighborhood.
To register your event, please fill out the NNO Participation Form or email Crime Prevention Officer John Courtney at jcourtney@cob.org with the following information:
- Name
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Address where event will be held
- Time of your event
- Type of event
- Whether you want a speaker? (Speakers are only available between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm.)
On Friday August 1 from 12:00 noon until 6:00 pm the Bellingham Police Department will be hosting a National Night Out 2014 kickoff event in the parking lot of the Police Department located at 505 Grand Avenue. Please drop in and join us for a free hot dog. If you are one of the first 40 (prior to July 25) who has registered their event, you will be able to pick up your free NNO 2014 materials.
