The Salisbury Police Department (SPD) will host an early, centralized National Night Out celebration, Saturday, Aug. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m., in the SPD parking lot on E. Liberty St. The Community Block Party will kickoff the customary National Night Out festivities in Salisbury which will be held on the following week.

 

 “National Night Out is traditionally a great opportunity for the police department and other city departments to engage citizens in conversations and build relationships through dialogue and getting to know one another,” said Police Chief Jerry Stokes. “We decided to hold the Community Block Party for a couple of reasons – first, so that participating neighbors from across the city can fellowship in a single location, and second, so that officers can interact with more residents on the National Night Out evening than in previous years. We have worked hard towards building the community through crime prevention and reducing the fear of crime. This can only be achieved when the police department has a solid link to those we serve. These are opportunities that can facilitate those efforts, and we look forward to many more chances like this over time.”

 

The Community Block Party on Saturday, Aug. 4, will feature food provided by the SPD, music and a friendly community tent decoration competition for the best neighborhood-branded tent. Neighborhood captains should contact Officer R. Sexton at (704) 638-5333 or email rsext@salisburync.gov to reserve a tent space.

 

More than 20 Salisbury communities will participate in the National Night Out event on Tuesday, Aug. 7, some offering free food, children’s games and other outdoor activities and special invited guests at various apartment complexes, Chestnut Hill, churches, the Fred Evans pool, Rowan Terrace and the Salvation Army. This year, the Salisbury City Council meeting will be held on the same date, however Councilmembers and city staff are scheduled to visit with communities dependent upon the meeting’s adjournment.

 

Founded in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out is an annual campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and builds neighborhood camaraderie. The nighttime event, typically held the first Tuesday in August, also increases awareness of local law enforcement programs such as neighborhood watch and anti-crime initiatives. 

 

Salisbury National Night Out participants attending evening activities are encouraged to post photographs on social media platforms using the hashtag #SalisburyNightOut.