National Night Out In Hollywood: Everything You Need To Know

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Police in Hollywood are encouraging residents to head out tonight to celebrate National Night Out, a chance to build community with your neighborhood police officers and elected officials.

The LAPD will celebrate national Night Out from 5 to 8 pm at the Hollywood Community Police Station at 1358 N. Wilcox Avenue. There will be free exhibits, booths, food, entertainment and raffles. On hand will be LAPD Captain Cory Palka, Commanding Officer, Hollywood Area, LAPD Captain Steven Lurie, Patrol Commanding Officer, Hollywood Area, and LAPD Hollywood area senior lead officers along with Councilmen Mitch O’Farrell and David Ryu and State Senator Pro Per Kevin de Leon

Block parties and community gatherings will be held across the Southland Tuesday evening as residents get together with police officers, sheriff's deputies and elected officials as part of the annual National Night Out crime-prevention event.

The event began three decades ago as a take-back-the-streets campaign spearheaded by residents holding community gatherings in a show of community pride.

Over the years, the event has grown to include block parties, parades, movie screenings and picnics, with millions of people taking part across the country.

During the event, residents are encouraged to lock their doors, turn on their front house lights and join with neighbors, law enforcement and Neighborhood Watch leaders at local neighborhood events. Activities vary by event but generally include food, police and fire displays, live entertainment and a chance to interact with city officials.

Events are planned throughout areas patrolled by the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Most Southland police departments will also hold events.

Started in 1984, National Night Out is billed as "America's night out against crime." It is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored by local municipalities and law enforcement agencies nationwide.

More information is available at www.nationalnightout.org.

City News Service Contributed to this report. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for FMB Development)