In the city of Richmond, programs such as Neighborhood Watch, Citizen's Academy and Crime Stoppers work hand in hand with the Richmond Police Department to help keep the city a little safer every day.
But it's on the first Tuesday in August of every year that the fight against crime is taken to a higher level and becomes even more visual throughout the streets of not only Richmond but thousands of other communities around the country as well.
For 25 years, communities all over America have been banding together on one night every year in the form of block parties, cook outs, parades and other special events to show their support in the fight against crime.
On Tuesday, Aug. 5, those same communities will come together yet again to celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Night Out (NNO).
Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, NNO is designed to "heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support and participation with 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," according to nationaltownwatch.org.
"It's a way for citizens and police to come together and give crime a 'Going Away Party,'" said Karla Peters, spokesperson for the Richmond Police Department. "And also, to get to know the officers who protect and serve their area."
But while the official party may not be scheduled until next Tuesday, residents can get a jump-start this Saturday with Richmond's own kick off celebration, which will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Target located on Forest Hill Ave.
Families will be able to learn how to protect themselves and each other with crime prevention materials and children's fingerprint kits. Food will also be provided. Be on the look out for visits from Richmond police officers at each event as well as informational guidelines, tips and question and answer activities.
During NNO in 2007, Richmond had close to 90 neighborhood events scheduled and they only expect that number to grow. While the deadline has passed for registering a NNO event, Richmond residents should check their neighborhood associations for events being held in their area.