Pandemic Cancels National Night Out Public Safety Events

National Night Out is “strongly recommending” that communities postpone their activities traditionally held on the first traditionally held on the first Tuesday in August due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, the public safety organization is recommending that 2020 National Night Out activities take place the first Tuesday in October, which falls on Oct. 6.

Since 1984, police departments and communities across the United States have held National Night Out events on the first Tuesday in August. More than 38 million neighbors in 16,000 communities throughout the nation hold events promoting public safety and building community.

Many local law enforcement agencies in the south suburbs host National Night Out events in their respective communities. The Alsip Police Department is cancelling its public safety event for 2020.

“We rely heavily on our local businesses for support and donations,” Alsip Police Chief Jay Miller said in an email. “We do not feel that is appropriate at this time to request donations when so many businesses have been struggling.”

Oak Lawn, Palos Heights and Palos Hills police departments announced that they, too, are canceling their National Night Out events.