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Some skeptics might believe the only goal of the annual National Night Out is for city and police officials in Berwyn to convince residents how much they’re doing to reduce crime.
Certainly, these officials have an interest in letting residents know what steps are being taken to address crime. The more residents understand about how they’re being protected, the greater sense of security they’ll feel living in our community.
But these officials have a vested interest in actually lowering crime in Berwyn, not merely talking about doing so. They also live here and have as much a need as anyone else to feel safe in their neighborhoods.
Many Berwyn residents, however, recognize the value of National Night Out. It has long been a popular event in the city, drawing more than 7,000 people in 2010. Officials said attendance was down this year due to budget cuts to other area agencies. The 2011 National Night Out in Berwyn was held Aug. 2.
Now in its 28th year, National Night Out is held in cities all across the country. It allows residents to interact with municipal and law enforcement officials and get to know other people in their communities.
Persuading residents to be more involved with addressing issues of crime is the key to reducing such incidents. According to its website, the National Night Out’s goals include the following: “Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”
We’re happy to see Berwyn residents so enthused about National Night Out and hope this trend continues.
Let’s use this as a springboard to being more active in our community and making our presence on the streets known. Attending the annual event is a good start, but it doesn’t mean much if we don’t follow up on the goals and remain vigilant about keeping the city safe.
Some skeptics might believe the only goal of the annual National Night Out is for city and police officials in Berwyn to convince residents how much they’re doing to reduce crime.
Certainly, these officials have an interest in letting residents know what steps are being taken to address crime. The more residents understand about how they’re being protected, the greater sense of security they’ll feel living in our community.
But these officials have a vested interest in actually lowering crime in Berwyn, not merely talking about doing so. They also live here and have as much a need as anyone else to feel safe in their neighborhoods.
Many Berwyn residents, however, recognize the value of National Night Out. It has long been a popular event in the city, drawing more than 7,000 people in 2010. Officials said attendance was down this year due to budget cuts to other area agencies. The 2011 National Night Out in Berwyn was held Aug. 2.
Now in its 28th year, National Night Out is held in cities all across the country. It allows residents to interact with municipal and law enforcement officials and get to know other people in their communities.
Persuading residents to be more involved with addressing issues of crime is the key to reducing such incidents. According to its website, the National Night Out’s goals include the following: “Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”
We’re happy to see Berwyn residents so enthused about National Night Out and hope this trend continues.
Let’s use this as a springboard to being more active in our community and making our presence on the streets known. Attending the annual event is a good start, but it doesn’t mean much if we don’t follow up on the goals and remain vigilant about keeping the city safe.
