National Night Out is designed to:

1. Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
2. Generate support and participation in crime efforts
3. Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community relations
4. Let criminals know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back

During the event, residents in neighborhoods throughout Austin and across the nation are asked to turn on their porch lights, lock their doors and spend the evening outside with their neighbors, police officers, firefighters and EMS paramedics. Events such as cookouts, block parties and neighborhood walks will all occur simultaneously throughout the city and nationwide.

You can join the National Night Out event by:

1. Getting all of your neighbors to turn on their porch lights
2. Organizing a block party or some type of neighborhood event
3. Filling out and returning the National Night Out application (when available) to the address at right

Once you complete an application, you will be notified via mail or email about where to pick up your National Night Out bag. The bag will contain crime prevention information, posters, party invitations and items for use at your party.