Reference: City of Portsmouth to Celebrate 14th Annual National Night Out Against Crime

On Tuesday, August 5th, neighborhoods throughout Portsmouth will be joining forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the ‘25th Annual National Night Out Against Crime’ (NNO). National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), will involve over 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 34 million people are expected to participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’. NNO is supported in part by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance and Senator Judd Gregg. NNO is spearheaded by the Portsmouth Citywide Neighborhood Association, which is chaired by Sharon Morrison.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. The Portsmouth Fire Department, Public Works Department and the Portsmouth School Department are active participants and strong supporters of National Night Out. This August marks the 14th year that Portsmouth has participated in this national event.

From 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM on August 5th, residents in neighborhoods throughout Portsmouth will spend the evening outside with neighbors as well as police, fire, public works and school officials, and elected officials. Many neighborhoods throughout Portsmouth will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, contests, youth activities, and games.

The final meeting for this event is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29th at 5:30 PM in conference room ‘A’ at Portsmouth City Hall. After that meeting, the list of neighborhoods participating this year will be finalized, and a follow-up press release will be issued. Any neighborhood wishing to participate is urged to contact Sharon Morrison at citywideneighborhood@comcast.net

Any local businesses wishing to contribute to this event are urged to either attend the final meeting or contact Capt. Janet Champlin at the Portsmouth Police Department at 610-7625.