Perry Hall Citizens on Patrol Expanding National Night Out Celebration

Perry Hall's National Night Out, an evening set aside to promote community crime prevention, is taking a giant step upward thanks in part to a grant and the dedication of a few individuals who want to keep their communities safe. 

The 2012 National Night Out was held "in a front yard," Perry Hall's Citizens on Patrol organizer Gail Chatfield said. The 2013 event has been scheduled for Aug. 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the White Marsh Target parking lot at 5230 Campbell Blvd. 

The purpose of National Night Out is simple, according to Chatfield. "It's meant to keep the community safe and it's a chance for us to get to know each other," she said. 

READ: Perry Hall Neighborhoods Celebrating Crime Prevention (2012) 

The White Marsh Target are co-sponsoring the 2013 National Night Out activities, providing food, games, giveaways and a children's bike raffle. 

"It's just one big party," Chatfield said. 

Last year, was the first year Perry Hall celebrated National Night Out. 

From the official National Night Out website:

"The introduction of National Night Out, 'America’s Night Out Against Crime,' in 1984 began an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. NATW’s National Night Out program culminates annually, on the first Tuesday of August (In Texas, the first Tuesday of October).

'NATW’s Executive Director, Matt Peskin introduced National Night Out in 1984.The first National Night Out took place on Tuesday, August 7th 1984. That first year, 2.5 million Americans took part across 400 communities in 23 states.'

Chatfield said she hopes to add to her ranks in Perry Hall by getting people excited for the White Marsh event. Anyone interested in more information about the patrol group should contact Chatfield at GailChatfield@verizon.net. 

A recent $1,400 grant helped advanced the patrol group's efforts, buying magnetic car strips, amber lights for cars, flash lights, binoculars, T-shirts, hats and the National Night Out party. 

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