National Night Out In DC: Everything You Need To Know

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Metropolitan Police Department will be participating in the National Night Out Tuesday night. Here's everything you need to know about the event.

The National Night Out is billed as a community and police awareness-raising event that is always held the first Tuesday in August. It has been held each year since 1984 and began as neighbors simply turning on their porch lights and sitting in front of their homes, but has grown to involve local police departments who focus on general anti-crime efforts like drug prevention and a neighborhood watch.

A National Night Out can involve a simple get-together or full-on festival. Here's what to expect in D.C., according to a statement:

"On Tuesday, August 7, thousands of DC residents will join with their neighbors, police officers and other community leaders to celebrate National Night Out," the statement reads. "From community cookouts to open houses – block parties, candlelight vigils and athletic events – DC is gearing up for the 35th annual celebration of 'America’s Night Out Against Crime.' In addition to the numerous activities at the kickoff event, communities across DC – in all seven police districts – scheduled NNO events during the late afternoon and evening hours.

"National Night Out (NNO) is an annual event, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, that takes place on the first Tuesday in August. Each year, the Metropolitan Police Department actively participates in National Night Out by rallying community members throughout the District of Columbia to join with neighbors and police officers in their PSAs to be a part of this annual event."

There will be informal gatherings in neighborhoods across the city, but an official kickoff event is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. at Oxon Run Park in Southeast.

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