August 1, 2003

East Lansing - The Michigan State Police is encouraging citizens to join their neighbors, other police agencies and community organizations across the nation in supporting the 20^th Annual "National Night Out" against crime. Citizens can participate by simply turning on their porch lights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2003.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anti-crime initiatives, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police and community partnerships.

"This event recognizes and celebrates the crime prevention efforts of community partnerships," stated First Lieutenant Jim Shaw of the Michigan State Police Prevention Services Section. "It’s the collaborative efforts of involved citizens working closely with local law enforcement which help to prevent crime and make our communities safer places to live and visit."

Last year, more than 33 million people in 9, 800 communities around the country participated in this event.

National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and is supported and promoted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice and the Edison Electric Institute. Additional information on National Night Out activities can be found at the National Association of Town Watch web site at: www.nationalnightout.org.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Michigan State Police Prevention Services Section, (517) 333-4006

Michigan State Police Crime Prevention Information: www.michigan.gov/msp

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.