Plans are currently underway for the 2010 Texas Night Out to be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2010. The Baytown Police Department Crime Prevention Division is accepting applications for those individuals or groups wishing to host block parties.
Texas Night Out, originally National Night Out, was changed to October for Texas due to the heat and mosquito problem during August.
National Night Out was designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
From 7 to 10 p.m. on October 5th, residents in neighborhoods throughout Baytown and across Texas, are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods throughout Baytown will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, visits from police, contests, youth activities and anticrime rallies.
National Project Coordinator Matt Peskin said, “This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight to build a safer nation. On NNO, we invite neighborhoods nationwide to join us in Giving Crime & Drugs a Going Away Party.”
Q & A: OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NNO
Q. How can we use the NNO Logo?
A. All “National Night Out” name, logos, marks, and themes are resgisterd trademarks of NATW. In accordance with federal regulations, the name or logo may not be used on any wearables or any other promotional products. NNO logos and related artwork may be used with flyers, posters, newsletters, PSA’s, etc.
Q. When should we begin organizing?
A. As soon as possible! The best NNO programs are those that begin their planning well in advance of the event.
Q. Is NNO just for already established Neighborhood Watch Areas?
A. No!! NNO is for all blocks and neighborhoods in your community.
Q. Can we begin our activities earlier than 7 p.m.?
A. Certainly. The 7 to 10 listed hours are a suggested national time frame. Some areas however begin at noon, some during the late afternoon, some at 6 p.m. Early starts are fine. Late starts (past 7 p.m.) though can be a problem because residents will have already settled into other evening activities. Texas cities celebrating in October should try for a 5 to 8 p.m. event.
Q. Should individual blocks register with NATW also, or should we register them locally?
A. There’s no need to have individual blocks register separately with NATW. If you register with NATW, and not with the Baytown Police Dept. we will not have your request for visits from any city officials.
For more information or to request an application, please contact the Baytown Police Department Crime Prevention Division at (281) 422-5152. Applications may also be obtained through nno@baytown.org.