On Tuesday, August 4,  neighborhoods throughout St. Mary’s County are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “26th Annual National Night Out” crime and drug prevention event.  National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and will involve over 11,000 communities from all 50 states, US territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.  In all, close to 35 million people are expected to participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ on August 4th.  National Night Out 2009 is supported in part by TARGET, the national corporate sponsor.

NNO is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know our neighborhoods are organized and “fighting back.”

From 7 to 10 p.m. on August 4, residents in neighborhoods throughout St. Mary’s County and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and local law enforcement.  Many neighborhoods in St. Mary’s will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, ice cream and cake socials, flashlight walks, youth activities and anti-crime and drug rallies.

Neighborhoods who would like to participate or wish further information on the 26th Annual National Night Out in St. Mary’s County should contact Corporal Chad Hartzell, (301) 475-4200 ext. 9024 or fax the registration forms or community information to (301) 475-4047 no later than July 27, to allow for the scheduling of deputies to visit in the participating communities.