The Henderson-Vance Night Out Against Crime is today (Thursday, August 11th) from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Breckenridge Street in Downtown Henderson.

The event was rescheduled from its original date because of stormy weather.

There will still be event cups and presentations from The Henderson Police Department, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson Fire Department, Vance County Fire and EMS, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Vance County Schools, Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers, Henderson-Vance Community Watch Association, and many other agencies and organizations working together with the community to prevent crime and promote safety.

The introduction of National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime”, in 1984 began an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. NATW’s National Night Out program culminates annually, on the first Tuesday of August (In Texas, the first Tuesday of October).

National Night Out now involves over 37.8 million people and 16,124 communities from all fifty states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

The traditional “lights on” campaign and symbolic front porch vigils turned into a celebration across America with various events and activities including, but not limited to, block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from emergency personnel, rallies and marches, exhibits, youth events, safety demonstrations and seminars, in effort to heighten awareness and enhance community relations. Events for this year’s Night Out include displays of law enforcement and public safety vehicles and equipment, informational booths for public safety and public health agencies and organizations, and children’s activities.

The Event Coordinator for the Henderson/Vance Night Out Against Crime 2016 is Community Services Sergeant David E. Pitman, Jr. of the Henderson Police Department.