Press Release

On August 5, 2003, citizens, community groups, businesses and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department helped neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 20th Annual National Night Out, a crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out (NNO) is an annual event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and cosponsored locally by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which involves more than 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. Nationally, an estimated 33 million people participated in "America's Night Out Against Crime" this year.

National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime 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.

Between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., along with the traditional "lights on" and front porch vigils, Los Angeles County residents and neighborhoods across the nation, spent the evening outside with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods hosted a variety of special events such as crime prevention block parties, cookouts and flashlight walks. Sheriff's stations throughout Los Angeles County were involved in various activities during the evening.

In the spirit of National Night Out, it provides a unique opportunity for citizens to prevent crime by promoting civic awareness and strengthening partnerships between neighborhoods and law enforcement.

SHB-86A-03

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August 6, 2003