Turn on your porch lights to show your support against crime. The City of Maricopa and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office will host the city’s first National Night Out event in just one week. On Tuesday, August 2, all residents are invited to attend the celebration at the Maricopa High School football field from 7 to 9 p.m.
National Night Out is a unique crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). The idea of NATW Executive Director Matt A. Peskin, National Night Out was introduced in 1984.
Peskin believed that a high-profile crime prevention event was needed on the national level. He wanted to heighten awareness and strengthen the participation in local anti-crime efforts. The first event was held on the first Tuesday in August with 400 communities participating in 23 states.
Last year over 10,000 communities participated. They represented all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases all over the world. Citizens, law enforcement agencies, businesses, civic groups and local officials all got involved.
Since National Night Out is America’s night out against crime, the City of Maricopa is asking all residents to leave their porch lights on during the night of August 2. This is one way to show your support for crime prevention.
Show that you support crime prevention by leaving your porch light on all night.
Maricopa’s first National Night Out will showcase over 16 different public safety agencies including the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department, the Border Patrol, Customs and local firefighting agencies.
The event is free. Residents will have an opportunity to view an Apache Helicopter up close, to see various crime prevention agencies’ demonstrations and to listen to music. Bashas’ will provide a free hot dog dinner. The first 500 attendees will receive a free Maricopa National Night Out T-shirt.
The purpose of National Night Out is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness while generating support for local anti-crime programs. Its intent is to strengthen police and community partnerships while sending criminals a message that neighborhoods will fight back.
For more information on the event, please contact Parks, Recreation and Libraries Director Marty McDonald at (520) 568-9098, Ext. 204.
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