Neighbors are being urged to step out of their homes and meet up at community events Tuesday in recognition of a national event aimed at reducing crime.
In honor of National Night Out, the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock have announced a combined 35 community events hosted by neighborhood associations. These events are intended to encourage a sense of community and strengthen partnerships with police to make communities safer.
The National Association of Town Watch started National Night Out, which is now in its third decade. In advertising the event, the nonprofit on its website recalls a time when porch lights were left on, doors were opened for strangers, "and we could always leave the back door unlocked during the day."
Victor Turner, assistant director of Little Rock's Housing and Neighborhood Programs Department, said the city has been participating in the national event for years. Turner said the program is about community building, neighborhood watch and anti-crime activities.
"We think it's very important in regards to crime prevention," Turner said of the annual event. "And it can assist our police department if neighbors and neighborhoods are aware of unfamiliar cars and can report suspicious activity."
The city of Little Rock is helping to organize 20 of the events, and a news release said city officials and staff members will attend several of the events to meet with residents.
"We just think bringing your neighbors together creates a sense of community," Turner said. "People are looking out for each other."
In North Little Rock, each neighborhood plans its event. In the past they've ranged from an ice cream social for three to four neighbors to a group that brought in a stage, hired a band and entertained hundreds, said Shirley Abel, an office assistant in the city's Neighborhood Services office.
"Get out and get to know each other and give crime a going-away party," Abel said, summing up National Night Out's purpose.
North Little Rock has 15 events planned this year with 13 of them happening on Tuesday, one on Thursday and another on Saturday.
A link to the full list of the locations and times of the neighborhood events can be found on the city of Little Rock's Facebook page. A list of North Little Rock's events can be found on its Neighborhood Services Facebook page.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is also hosting an event for "residents, employees, students, and friends of the University District," according to a release from the school. That event will take place Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at the University Plaza parking lot and will feature food served at 5:30 p.m. An awards ceremony for first responders will occur afterward, at 6 p.m.
Metro on 10/05/2015