Police and Neighbors Come Together for Annual Community Event
News Release, Charles County Sheriff’s Office
Attention Charles County residents: On Tuesday, August 6, 2019, neighborhoods throughout Charles County are invited to team up with thousands of communities across the country for the 36th Annual National Night Out (NNO). Sheriff Troy Berry and members of the CCSO will join residents to celebrate the community’s shared alliance against crime, drugs and violence. Representatives from Charles County Crime Solvers, Explorers Post #1658 and even McGruff the Crime Dog and McGruff’s nephew Scruff will be out to meet residents.
Registration forms are available on the CCSO’s website. In order to be officially recognized as participating in National Night Out, neighborhoods must register with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. To register your neighborhood to participate, find out if your neighborhood is participating, or to make a donation to NNO, contact Community Organizer Connie Gray at 301-932-3080.
The National Association of Town Watch (NATW) launched National Night Out in 1984. According to the website, NATW.org, “National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. ”
Neighborhoods across Charles County will host block parties with food, games, music, and other activities. Many residents will light their porch lights to demonstrate their support for NNO. “We enjoy being part of National Night Out each year and having the opportunity to engage and interact with the people of Charles County,” said Sheriff Berry. “When citizens and law enforcement get together to take a stand against crime, it sets a great example for our kids and future generations to keep the police and community relationship strong.”
The CCSO is also holding its annual coloring contest for children ages 4-12 in participating neighborhoods. Neighborhood representatives will be provided with the coloring pages after their neighborhoods are registered for National Night Out. The coloring pages can then be distributed to the children in their particular communities. The artwork is due by August 31st and can be turned in to any CCSO district station or to the Community Services office located on Audie Lane in La Plata. The pages are judged, and two winners will be selected from several age groups. The winners will be notified by mail, and awards will be presented in October.
For over 20 years, the National Association of Town Watch has recognized Charles County’s participation by awarding the agency its Category II Award for Community Participation.