On Tuesday, August 6th, neighborhoods throughout Iowa City are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the "30th Annual National Night Out" (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored locally by the Iowa City Police Department, will involve over 15,000 communities from all 50 states. In all, over 37 million people are expected to participate in 'America's National Night Out Against Crime'. NNO 2013 is being supported in part by Target, a national corporate sponsor, and Iowa City Area Crimestoppers.
National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
From 6 to 9 p.m. on August 6th, residents in neighborhoods throughout Iowa City 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 Iowa City will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, visits from the police, flashlight walks, contests, and youth activities.
Iowa City Police Officers will be attending all registered parties to meet neighbors and handout safety information. Officers will also be handing out special gifts to children, provided by Target and Crimestoppers. Each registered block party will receive a guest appearance from local celebrities.
If you would like to register your block party for appearances by officers and special guests, please contact Officer Jorey Bailey at crime-prevention@iowa-city.org, or call the Crime Prevention Office at 319-356-5273.