National Night Out In Reston: Everything You Need To Know

RESTON, VA -- The Fairfax County 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 Fairfax County, according to a statement:

What is National Night Out?

• Annual neighborhood-based crime and drug prevention event
• Opportunity to show neighborhood spirit and strengthen partnerships with local police
• Demonstrates neighborhood commitment to fight crime
• Observed in thousands of communities in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world

What happens that night?

• Between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. neighbors, friends and families lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside together.
• Special events, anticrime rallies, activities for children.
• Police officers visit with as many neighborhood gatherings as possible.
• View a flyer for the event. Click here.

How can I get involved?

• Get out there and enjoy!
• Offer to help support your neighborhood block party, cookout or other planned event
• Volunteer to organize an event or gathering if none is planned in your neighborhood
• Print and fill out a registration form for your community event. Click here.

(Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for FMB Development)