Neighbors, LR Officials Step Out Against Crime

(Monday, August 6, 2007) – On Tuesday, August 7th, citizens, law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses and local officials in over 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide will join forces to mark the “24th Annual National Night Out” (NNO). Nationally, over 34 million people are expected to participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ this year.

In Little Rock, there are at least fourteen sites working with City staff. “Most years there are neighborhoods that plan their own activities without partnering with the City – so we expect that there will be even more sites throughout Little Rock on August 7th,” said Andre Bernard, Director of Housing and Neighborhood programs for the City of Little Rock.

According to the National Association of Town Watch, which coordinates national efforts, National Night Out is designed to:
? Heighten crime, drug and violence prevention awareness;
? Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
? Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships;
? Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

In Little Rock, these goals will be accomplished in a wide variety of ways. Though food (catfish and hot dogs seem to be the most popular offerings), games (organized sports or carnival-style arcade activities), and information (crime prevention, health screenings, city program offerings) are staples at each site, every location puts its own unique twist on it.

“Traveling around to the various locations throughout the City is a great way to experience the rich diversity that Little Rock has to offer,” says City Manager Bruce T. Moore. “It is rewarding to see people of all ages, races, and professional backgrounds meeting together as neighbors. It is great to see the citizens working with City staff to celebrate neighborhoods and community-building.”

“Many of these sites celebrate National Night Out as a combination of a block party, annual business meeting, and a chance to see people you haven’t seen in a while,” said Bernard. The sense of community celebrated by National Night Out lasts throughout the year. “That is one of the purposes of the effort. Once you’ve met your neighbors and shared a meal and a laugh with them, you are more likely to call on them when you have a need or to offer help to them,” noted Bernard.

There is another way that the feeling continues throughout the year. “Several of them will start planning for 2008 on Wednesday morning,” Bernard said with a smile.

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National Night Out Locations
August 7, 2007

• Arch Street Alert Center – 2220 Arch Street. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Baseline Elementary Alert Center – 3623 Baseline Road. 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
• Capitol View Stifft Station Alert Center –Billy Mitchell Boys & Girls Club, 3107 West Capitol. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• East Little Rock Alert Center – 2500 East 6th Street. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• East of Broadway Alert Center – Pettaway Park, 508 East 21st Street. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center – 3805 West 12th Street. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Mann Road Alert Center – 9209 Mann Road. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Oak Forest Movers and Shakers – Curran Conway Park, 2510 South Harrison. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• 65th Street Alert Center – 5323 West 65th Street. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• South End Alert Center – 1100 West 33rd Street. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Tyler Street Alert Center – Oak Forest Community Garden, 25th & Monroe. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Valley Drive Alert Center – 5621 Valley Drive. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• West Central/John Barrow Area – West Central Sports Complex, 8616 Colonel Glen Road. 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Wright Avenue Alert Center and Park Street Alert Center – Fletcher Park, I-630 and Woodrow. 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm