Crime & Safety

Rockville to Celebrate Community, Crime Prevention with Night Out

Block parties offer opportunity to meet neighbors and connect with police officers.

Rockville neighbors are invited to celebrate their communities on Tuesday, Aug. 2 as the Rockville City Police Department (RCPD) participates in National Night Out.

National Night Out, now in its 33rd year, is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. It aims to raise awareness about crime and drug prevention, generate support for anti-crime programs and strengthen community spirit and community policing partnerships.

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Neighborhoods will host block parties featuring cookouts, bounce houses, carnival games and giveaways. McGruff the Crime Dog will stop by several block parties to spread his anti-crime and anti-drug message. The mayor and council, RCPD officers and members of the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office also will visit many of the gatherings.

The mayor and council issued a proclamation urging Rockville community members to take part in National Night Out and the fight against crime.

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“The residents of Rockville communities play a vital role in assisting the Rockville City Police Department through joint crime, drug and violence prevention efforts in the city and are supporting National Night Out 2016 locally,” the proclamation said. Find the full proclamation with the July 18 meeting agenda online.

Residents are invited to turn on outdoor lights as part of the traditional display of front porch vigils, sending the message to criminals that neighborhoods are fighting back against crime.

Further information is available through the city website. Block party registration is available through contacting Cpl. Ken Matney at (240) 314-8922 or kmatney@rockvillemd.gov.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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