Arkansas side plans National Night Out

Texarkana, Ark., Police Department’s National Night Out will be Oct. 2.

Block parties will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., said Officer Kristi Bennett, spokeswoman for TAPD.

Citizens in neighborhoods across Texarkana, Ark., will be turning their lights on and getting together with friends and neighbors for an evening outside to celebrate the 35th annual National Night Out, Bennett said.

National Night Out has proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program to promote “neighborhood spirit” and “community partnerships.” The year-long community building campaign is designed to do the following: Heighten crime prevention awareness. Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs.

Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

Send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Representatives from the Police Department, Fire Department and City Hall will start visits this year at about 6 p.m. Law enforcement will be available for questions, and citizens can share concerns about police services in their neighborhood.

Anyone interested in participating in this community event should call and register a block party at 903-798-3187 or by email at kbennett@txkusa.org.