TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - It's known as National Night Out, and it is a night that serves as a way for neighborhoods to meet informally with law enforcement agencies and come up with ways to target crime.
National Night Out has been taking place on the first Tuesday in August since 1984.
While the main focus lies on building a stronger relationship with the police, the event is also designed to show neighbors that they're ready to watch out for each other.
Tallahassee Police Department Officer Damon Miller Jr. said National Night Out heightens the drug and crime prevention awareness throughout the community.
"Also, it generates support and participation in local anti crime programs and it sends a message out to all those criminals to let them know that the neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back against crime," he said.
This year, TPD will be in two neighborhoods.
TPD will be at Eastgate Way and Danshire Drive just off of Capital Circle NE. They'll also be at 3535 Roberts Avenue in The Meadows Neighborhood. Both start at 6 p.m. and run until 8 p.m.
Vendors will also be out to talk to people about home security and other ways to protect their belongings.
In its 30 years, the night out has grown.
The first year, 400 communities across 23 states participated.
Last year, 34 million people in more than 10,000 communities across every state joined in celebrating the day.
