The Alternative Press

FANWOOD, NJ – The Fanwood Police Department, Fire Department and Rescue Squad invite residents to observe the National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, August 7 beginning at 7 pm in LaGrande Park.

The concept of a National Night Out, ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime” was the brainchild of The National Association of Town Watch (NATW) Executive Director Matt. A Peskin in 1984.  The NATW is a nonprofit, crime prevention organization which works in cooperation with thousands of crime watch groups and law enforcement agencies throughout the country.

That first year, 400 communities in 23 states participated in National Night Out. Nationwide, 2.5 million Americans took part in 1984. The seed had been planted. In subsequent years, participation has grown steadily. The 28th Annual National Night Out last August involved 37.0 million people in 15,110 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. National Night Out 2012 will culminate on August 7th. Over 15,500 communities are expected to take part. (stats courtesy of NATW website)

While the traditional 'lights on' and front porch vigils remain a part of NNO, activities have expanded considerably over the years to include block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from police, festivals, neighborhood walks, and safety fairs.

 "It's a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie,” said Peskin. “While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places throughout the year.”