It’s party time! And the cops are the hosts
By Rae KrugerMARSHALL - This is one party the cops don't want to break up.
In fact, the Marshall Police Department wants lots of people to show up at a party for National Night Out on Aug. 5. The party will be from 3-7 p.m. at Justice Park in Marshall.
The Police, along with the Marshall Area Crime Fund, are the hosts for activities, which include a dunk tank, pony rides, the fire department's smoke trailer and others.
National Night Out was started 25 years ago as a way to bolster neighborhood cooperation and increase participation in crime prevention. The program is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch.
"We want people to meet their neighbors again," Marshall Police Sgt. Paula Curry said. "We want them to see the new faces on the police department."
The faces in the neighborhood change as people move in and out of houses, but what shouldn't change is the concept of people knowing their neighborhood, Curry said.
People who know their neighbors will notice when a strange car is parked in the neighborhood or when there is suspicious activity near a house, Curry said.
"Far too often officers will hear after a crime is reported, 'I heard glass breaking but didn't think much of it.' Well, that sound was someone breaking into your neighbor's car," Curry said. "Or, those voices you heard under the bedroom window was someone casing the neighborhood."
The rash of home burglaries Marshall has experienced for more than a year has settled the past few months. With the settlement in burglaries, people's concern about their neighborhood has also lessened, Curry said.
"People's attentions are for the short-term," Curry said. "As soon as it gets quiet, people tend to forget and go back to their own business."
Police and the Marshall Area Crime Fund would like residents to be mindful of their neighborhoods all the time.
A party for National Night Out is one way to bring folks together, Curry said.
Neighborhoods can learn more about sticking together on Aug. 5. Residents can sign up for block parties and learn about crime prevention programs.
"We have maps with some sections of the city (blocked out). They can pick and choose parts of neighborhoods if they want a block party," Curry said.
Police can block off a street so neighbors can gather for a BBQ or a potluck, Curry said.
Curry practices what she tells the public about knowing neighbors and the neighborhood.
"In my neighborhood, there is tons of turnover," Curry said.
When she moved in, people welcomed her and introduced themselves, Curry said.
"I feel a responsibility to carry it on when I get new neighbors," Curry said.
Neighbors near her home often get together, she said.
"I like to entertain," Curry said. "I know my neighbors well and they know me."
Hopefully, more neighbors will get together Aug. 5 and after, Curry said.
To learn more about National Night Out or the National Association for Town Watch see www.nationaltownwatch.org
