Police Open House Part of National Night Out on Crime Activities

The public is invited to an Aug. 4 Open House of the Dearborn Administrative Center (DAC) and also to enjoy free refreshments and entertainment, see police vehicles, enter contests, and get helpful information during National Night Out on Crime activities hosted by the Dearborn Police Department.

Both events are Tuesday, August 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the DAC, 16901 Michigan Ave. The DAC is just west of the Henry Ford Centennial Library and east of the Southfield Freeway.

“We’re pleased to welcome the public to visit the Dearborn Administrative Center when they come to enjoy the fun National Night Out activities hosted by the Dearborn Police Department,” Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly Jr. said in a statement.

Police Chief Ronald Haddad also invited the public.

“Dearborn is a prime example of a community that works in partnership with its police department and the private sector,” Haddad said, also in a statement. “These partnerships have made real strides in crime prevention and quality of life issues.”

National Night Out is sponsored by Target Stores and the Dearborn Police Department. Cities across the country are increasing awareness of crime prevention programs through National Night Out. The event helps to strengthen neighborhood spirit and community-police partnerships, while sending a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized, working with police and are fighting back against crime.

This year’s National Night Out at the DAC will include:

• Free hot dogs, chips and ice cream
• Contests
• Music
• Dearborn Fire Department’s vehicle extrication demonstration
• Bounce Houses and a Dunk Tank

The Dearborn Police Department will have the following on display:

• Ford Police vehicles
• SWAT Team vehicle and equipment
• Bomb Squad vehicle
• Police Bicycle Patrol
• K-9 Unit

The Dearborn Police Department will also have crime prevention material, Neighborhood Watch information; take-home Child Identification Kits and NIXLE information available at the event.

Other agencies and organizations participating are: Wayne County Sheriff Mounted Unit, Michigan State Police, University of Michigan-Dearborn Police, Dearborn Animal Shelter, Remember Me Quilt Project, and the Dearborn Public Library.

In addition to the outdoor activities at National Night Out, guests are invited to enter the new DAC; tour the public areas of the first floor, including the City Council Chambers; pickup city information; enjoy light refreshments; and try out the kiosk at the customer service desk at the Main Entrance.

The City moved most of its administrative offices in September from City Hall to the DAC, creating a municipal campus encompassing the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, the Police Station and 19th District Court, the Henry Ford Centennial Library, and athletic fields.

Moving the city’s administrative offices has reduced costs while making it easier for residents to navigate city services.

The 15-year-old, 85,700-square-foot DAC building has a modern, open floor plan and encourages better communication between departments.

Offices housed at DAC are the Mayor, City Council, City Clerk, Assessor, Economic and Community Development, Engineering, Finance, Housing, Human Resources, Law and City Plan, Management Information Systems, Public Information, and Residential Services. City Council meetings also are held at the DAC.

The former City Hall at 13615 Michigan Avenue was sold to the non-profit Artspace, which has started construction to convert the building into living, work and exhibit space for artists. Information about Artspace will be available at the DAC open house.

For more information about the DAC, visit www.cityofdearborn.org/DAC.

Chief Haddad thanked Target for its sponsorship of National Night Out.

“It’s wonderful to partner with a strong national retailer like Target that takes a vested interest in the communities where they are located and are willing to show their commitment to public safety in such a meaningful and constructive way,” he said.

Chief Haddad is also requesting that in support of National Night Out, all Dearborn residents turn on their front porch lights on August 4, 2015 and make an extra effort to look out for their neighbors.