We have just celebrated National Night Out on Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 of the current month of August. For two nights, the City of Lawrence joined other cities in the nation in the fight for an America without crime.
National Night Out is designated to: (1) Intensify crime and drug prevention. (2) Generate support and participation in local efforts against crime. (3) Strengthen the spirit of the good neighbor and collaboration with the community police; and (4) Send a message to the criminals letting them know that the neighborhoods are organized and that we are going to fight them.
On Monday 5, all the neighborhoods joined forces in a celebration on the grounds of Abe Bashara Boathouse, where they enjoyed not only free snacks and ice cream, but also ample information from the Police Department and the Fire Department as well as the Senior Center, Heal Lawrence, and Lawrence/Methuen Community Coalition amongst others.
The Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Lawrence Police conducted a demonstration with dogs, which are trained to facilitate the capture of criminals.
The next day, Tuesday 6, residents of Lawrence neighborhoods were asked to lock their doors, turn on the lights outside and spend the afternoon outside, between 5 and 8 PM, with their neighbors, the police and the city officials.
After episodes of violence in the cities of El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio in recent days, residents now more than ever, need to meet and join their neighbors, and work with public safety personnel, to help maintain the good quality of life in our neighborhoods.
For your own safety, that of your family and your neighbors, always keep in mind what the authorities recommend, “If you see something, say something”.
