Twenty Salisbury neighborhoods to host National Night Out celebrations

Twenty communities within the City of Salisbury will observe National Night Out, Tuesday, Aug. 1, with free music, food, children’s games and other outdoor activities, featuring officers of the Salisbury Police Department (SPD).

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. This year, the Salisbury City Council meeting will be held on the same date, however Councilmembers will visit with communities following the meeting’s adjournment.

Salisbury neighborhoods, in conjunction with Parks and Recreation and SPD, are expected to welcome residents at various apartment complexes, Chestnut Hill, churches, the Fred Evans pool, Rowan Terrace and the Salvation Army.

“National Night Out is another opportunity for the police department and other city departments to engage the citizens of Salisbury in conversations and build relationships through dialogue and getting to know one another,” said Police Chief Jerry Stokes. “Over the past year we have worked hard toward 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”.

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