COSTA MESA, CA (July 25, 2016). Communities throughout America will be locking their doors, turning on outside lights, and spending the evening out with neighbors and police on Tuesday, August 2, 2016. Since 1984, the goal of the annual National Night Out event is to strengthen relationships in neighborhoods, raise crime prevention awareness, emergency preparedness, child safety, and deepen relationships with law enforcement and safety personnel. Each August (October in Texas) 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S.A. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world get involved in this unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. Over 37 million people participate in America’s Night Out Against Crime.

Communities from coast to coast will enjoy demonstrations from SWAT, K9, CSI, Police, Sheriff and other departments, food from local restaurants, games, giveaways, face paintings, crafts, display vehicles, parades, music and more. The get-togethers promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make all people safer and neighborhoods better places to live.

The tragedies this year make this occasion an important opportunity for Americans to demonstrate that violence will not be tolerated and that knowledge is power. The act of communities coming together represents the kind of spirit, energy and determination to help make neighborhoods safer places year round. Getting to know one another as individuals—rather than as a faceless member of a group or class—makes it easier to understand the other person’s concerns and implement changes where necessary for everyone’s safety and well-being.

“When police and military personnel in Chattanooga, Orlando, Baton Rouge and Dallas expressed their gratitude to us for the red, white and blue patriot ribbons we sent to honor the fallen men and women, we wanted to do more for those who serve and protect,” said Amber Hughes president of Costa Mesa-based King Size Bows, Inc. “So, our designers created the Thin Blue Line Ribbon for families, friends, and groups to show their support for law enforcement and the difficult job they do. We don’t have to wait for a crisis to speak up. We can show our appreciation all year by displaying a ribbon at work, home and in our towns.”

Across the nation, individuals, groups and businesses are showing their support for the difficult work of law enforcement. People are sending baked goods, gift certificates and heartfelt notes; holding up signs and organizing prayer vigils; setting up funds for the families of the deceased and recovering victims of violence. There is much sincere individuals can do.

Contact your city or law enforcement agency to find out where and when your local Night Out is being held and participate. Together, we can make a difference.