National Night Out was introduced by NATW in 1984. NNO began as an effort to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anticrime efforts but expanded nationally. Typically NNO is held the first Tuesday of August each year. Texas is the only state who holds the event in October. The move to October is due to the extreme temperatures usually found in the month of August.

 

While the traditional ‘lights on’ and front porch vigils remain a part of NNO, activities have expanded considerably over the years to include block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from police, festivals, neighborhood walks, safety fairs, contests, rallies and meetings.

 

It is a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie. While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, NNO does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places throughout this year. It is a night to celebrate safety and crime prevention successes – and to expand and strengthen programs for the next 364 days.