Crime & Safety

National Night Out Kicks Off Aug. 6 At Roger Carter Center

Join police in this annual event designed to show community strength in the face of crime.



National Night Out is not only a night to show community solidarity in the face of crime, but also a way to enjoy the company of your neighbors.

Howard County Police will kick off the annual event at the Roger Carter Center in Ellicott City on Aug. 6 at 6 p.m.

In preparation for the event, police have helped to organize over 20 community block parties, in which residents are asked to turned their outside lights on and join their neighbors in their front yards "to send a message that communities are banding together to fight crime", according to a police statement.

“Each year we look forward to National Night Out as an opportunity to remind residents what an important role they play in fighting crime and in keeping our communities safe,” said Police Chief William McMahon, in a statement. “It is one more way of highlighting the strong partnership between Howard County residents and our officers.”

Police will tour the neighborhood parties with officers, K9s, a SWAT vehicle, auxiliary officers and more, according to the statement.

The event at the Roger Carter Center will be attended by local political officials and include the volunteer mounted police unit, the command post, McGruff the Crime Dog, games, a basketball shoot out and refreshments.

Is your community organizing a block party? Tell your neighbors how to participate in the comments.


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