Pubdate: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 Source: Corsicana Daily Sun (TX) Copyright: 2003 Corsicana Daily Sun. Contact: http://www.corsicanadailysun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2968 Cited: National Night Out http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/ CORSICANA TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL NIGHT OUT On Aug. 5, neighborhoods throughout Corsicana are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 20th annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored by the Corsicana Police Department, will involve over 9,600 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all over 32 million people are expected to participate in America's Night Out Against Crime on Aug. 5. NNO 2003 is being supported in part by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance. National Night Out 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 neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. From 7 to 10 p.m. Aug. 5, residents in neighborhoods throughout Corsicana and across the nation, are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods throughout Corsicana will be hosting block parties which include cookouts, and visits from police. "National Night Out is an extraordinary way to build neighborhood unity and strengthen police-community partnerships," said national project coordinator Matt Peskin. "Neighbors meet neighbors, and citizens and local law enforcement have the opportunity to enhance their relationships. On Aug. 5, we invite neighborhoods nationwide to join forces with us to 'Give Crime and Drugs A Going Away Party.'" The Corsicana Police Department will be hosting a NNO program at the Corsicana Public Library from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Free hot dogs and soft drinks will be served. The Corsicana Police Department will have their specialized units on display, along with the Corsicana Fire Department and Department of Public Safety. If you are interested in having a block party in your neighborhood or have any questions about the event please call the College Park Mall substation at (903)654-4901, or Southpark substation at (903) 654-4909. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake