Residents prepare for 35th annual National Night Out

Texarkana residents are putting the final touches on neighborhood block parties this weekend in anticipation of the 35th annual National Night Out.

National Night Out is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. There will be at least 22 block parties on the Arkansas side and 25 on the Texas side this year, according to officials.

“We are looking forward to a big year. The officers are excited to meet new faces and visit new neighborhoods,” said Officer Kristi Bennett, spokeswoman for the Texarkana, Ark., Police Department.

National Night Out has proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program that promotes neighborhood spirit and community partnerships. Police officers, firefighters and city officials attend the neighborhood block parties and meet the citizens attending the parties.

On the Arkansas side, patrol officers usually attend the parties in the neighborhoods they serve, Bennett said. Bennett and Police Chief Robert Harrison try to attend all of the parties, she said.

“We’ll be available for questions, and residents can share your concerns about police services in their neighborhood,” Bennett said.

Shawn Vaughn, spokesman for TTPD, said there are several new parties on the Texas side this year also.

“I think there are four places that are new this year. I have tried to grow it a little bit every year and would love it if there were even more participating,” Vaughn said.

He said officers will visit each party that is registered.

Some neighborhoods go “all out” with activities and themes, but Vaughn said anyone interested in hosting a block party in the future can always start small.

“To me, it’s about getting the lawn chairs out and sitting and talking,” he said.

National Night Out, a year-long community building campaign, is designed to:

■ 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 letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

TAPD will continue the crime prevention trend later this month on Oct. 16 with a “Luncheon with the Law” at Bi-State.

The public is welcome to attend the event and talk to officers about concerns in their neighborhoods. Crime prevention tips will also be a topic of discussion.