Prince William Police Reschedule 'Night Out' Event Due to Isaias

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — The Prince William County Police Department has rescheduled the 36th National Night Out celebration from Tuesday night to the night of Tuesday, Oct. 6 due to Tropical Storm Isaias forecast to deliver up to 6 inches of rain to the region.

The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for most of Northern Virginia, including Prince William County, as Isaias heads for the region. A flash flood watch is in effect for the region from 11 p.m. Monday to 11 p.m. Tuesday.

On Oct. 6, Prince William County residents are encouraged to turn on outdoor lights and spend the evening outside with their families and neighbors using appropriate social distancing. The event is a casual event held in neighborhoods where residents and police officers can chat about policing and community safety while enjoying a hot dog or hamburger.

In Prince William County, the National Night Out is being coordinated by the Crime Prevention Unit of the police department in partnership with the Prince William Crime Prevention Council.

The National Night Out helps build positive relationships between the community and the police, the department said. Neighborhood Watch programs and the National Night Out "help to create a neighborhood network to prevent crime and enhance the quality of life in the County," it said.

Neighborhood Watch programs across the county will host motorcade stops where police officers and other law enforcement personnel can meet neighbors. Changes will be made from previous year's celebration due to the coronavirus crisis, including not allowing the public to enter police vehicles.