Oak Park greets National Night Out

Several Oak Park neighborhoods will participate in the National Night Out Against Crime Aug. 4.

National Night Out is an annual event designed to strengthen America's neighborhoods through police and community partnerships.

The goal is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, build support and participation in local anti-crime programs and, most importantly, send a message to criminals that the neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. It's also an opportunity for neighbors to meet one another.

The neighborhoods will be visited by representatives from local public service agencies such as the sheriff's and fire departments, the recreation and parks department, the board of supervisors, the local school board and the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council. Bomb squad, SWAT units and K-9 units will take part.

Some neighborhoods may decide to have potluck block parties as part of the event.

Last year's campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from more than 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, more than 34 million people participated in the 2006 National Night Out program.

For more information, contact Jay Kapitz with the Oak Park Advisory Council at (818) 8891039 or j_kapitz@yahoo.com.