KILLEEN, Texas — The Killeen Police Department is making plans for Oct. 1, and are hoping the community will join them.
Killeen PD has announced that they are joining cities across the United States for "National Night Out", a crime and drug prevention event held in thousands of communities nationwide.
On Tuesday, Oct. 1, KPD invites neighborhoods throughout the city to "lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police." The department is encouraging neighborhoods to host events like block parties, cookouts, contests or youth activities in an effort to build bonds in the community.
According to KPD, National Night Out is meant to "Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
“The National Night Out program is an outstanding campaign to help build neighborhood unity and strengthen police-community partnerships," said Killeen Police Chief Pedro Lopez. "On Oct. 1, we invite citizens of Killeen and neighborhoods nationwide to join forces with us to give crime and drugs a going away party."
Residents can call or email Erica Aurelio at (254) 501-8805 or by email at eaurelio@killeentexas.gov for more information or to register their neighborhoods for a visit from police, the fire department and McGruff the Crime Dog.
The deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 13.
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