By Katie Knapp Schubert
Omaha, NE – More than 50 neighborhood events are planned Monday in Omaha for National Night Out.
National Night Out began in 1984. Last year, more than 11,000 communities in all 50 states hosted Night Out events. This is Omaha's 20th year hosting the neighborhood celebrations. The goal is for neighbors to get to know each other and watch for incidents in their neighborhoods.
Bridget Fitzpatrick, Crime Prevention Specialist with the Omaha Police Department, says the Night Out events also give the public an opportunity to interact with Police outside of a crime situation. "Every time that we get the Police officers out in front of the public when it's a non-crisis, spend some time with us and talk to us, it's a perfect opportunity to ask any questions," Fitzpatrick says. "It's a much better relationship for the community and the Police."
Most National Night Out events are hosted by neighborhood watch groups. But Fitzpatrick says anyone can host a National Night Out party.