National Night Out is back.
The Roanoke Rapids Police Department has set the event for August 6 with time and place to be determined, Captain Andy Jackson said.
Roanoke Rapids will be hosting the evening with other cities and law enforcement agencies across the nation, helping to celebrate the event’s 30th anniversary.
It is an event to heighten awareness of crime and drug activity, Jackson said, as well help the police department forge a better relationship with the community.
The theme of the evening will be Protecting Our Youth, Jackson said. “We’ll have the area set up for parents interested in gang awareness and gang prevention. We’ll have information on how to control and how to stop sexting and information on new drugs teens are experimenting with.”
There will also be information on Crimestoppers and booths for different organizations that contribute to the betterment of the community, Jackson said.
Activity and headline entertainment are still being planned.
The police department did not hold National Night Out last year. “The economy was in a downturn,” he said, adding, however, the public kept asking when another one would be held. “It’s a time when friends can spend time together and get tips on crime prevention. It’s a good, wholesome family night.”
Roanoke Rapids has won two awards for two of its National Night Out events, ranking in the top 50 in the nation for communities its size.
The theme of the event is important, he said. “One of the keys to protecting the youth is establishing a good foundation and having good parenting and good members to organize activities and education so the youth can stand alone and take care of themselves as young adults.”
Major Tommy Hathaway sees the event as another way for the police department to connect with the community. “I want people to see we are members of the community. We care about the community that we serve.”
