National Night Out a Win-Win For the Neighborhood, Police Department

It's called National Night Out and it's a perfect way for Suisun residents to get to know one another, eat a little barbecue or potluck fare and get familiar with the police officers who patrol the city.

"One night a year, everyone in the communty is invited to join with friends and neighbors in block parties across Suisun City to focus on public safety awareness and basic safey prevention techniques," a Suisun PD press release read.

Suisun's National Night Out is a part of a national effort to build safer communities. And never has that been so important than this year, with a staggering amount of violent crime in both Fairfield and Suisun being reported daily on the pages of the Patch.

The concept basically works like this: a block captain takes charge of organizing the block party for a specific neighborhood and spreads the word by flier, e-mail or good old-fashioned word-of-mouth. The neighbors decide what to barbecue or bring for a potluck and everyone gets together outside of their homes in the spirit of community.

The Suisun Police Department visits the block parties and hands out goodies, greets neighbors and talks with the people. The block parties give residents an opportunity to get to know the officers who patrol their neighbors and ask them questions that they might not otherwise be able to ask.

City leaders and the have also been active participants during National Night Out and visit the block parties as well.

It's a win-win for both the police department and the community because it contributes to a form of policing that's community-based, where citizens take an active role in keeping their communities safe.

National Night Out takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Anyone who wants to form a block party is asked to register with the by calling Community Service Officer Pam Greenwood at (707) 435-2748.

Suisun Police will be hosting a block party of its on at Carl E. Hall Park, 609 Pintail Drive, between the , the Fire Department and the Salvation Army KROC Center, 5-8 p.m., on Aug. 7.

"This night will bring together organizations committed to promoting community unification," the department's press release said. "There will be informational booths and safety demonstrations by local public safety agencies as well as children’s fingerprinting, jump houses, train rides, youth games and activities. All residents are invited to attend and join in the festivities."

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