SAPD Partners with Community Members for National Night Out Against Crime

SAN ANGELO, TX - Today, the San Angelo Police Department announced that National Night Out 2016 will be celebrated on October 4 in most Texas cities. However, most of the country celebrated in August, which is a bit too warm for West Texans. Therefore, San Angelo will celebrate this important night in October.

Officer Tracy Gonzalez, public information officer for SAPD, said National Night Out is a great opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie. 

"While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out represents the kind of spirit, energy and determination to help make neighborhoods a safer place year round," said Gonzalez. "NNO is about networking and connecting with like-minded people who all want the same thing, to ensure his or her community is a safe place to live and play." 

Gonzalez added that Sir Robert Peel, considered to be the father of modern policing, once said, “Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent upon every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.” 

"In other words, Peel was saying we are all responsible for the policing of our community," said Gonzalez. "So how can you become a police-community partner? One way is by getting to know your neighbors and watching over their property.  By them doing the same for you, and by keeping your possessions locked up, you are doing a form of police work that contributes to keeping our neighborhoods crime free."

With that being said, SAPD is inviting all citizens to attend the nine events scheduled throughout the city. 

"Turn on your porch lights, lock your doors, and spend the evening outside interacting with friends, neighbors and first responders," Gonzalez stated. "Join us and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back." 

This year, singer-songwriter Jay Dirks will be performing “Our Hearts Bleed Blue” at two events: Wall Brethren Church at 5:15 p.m., and the Angelo Skate & Fun Center at 6:45 p.m. All of the digital sales from the song will be donated to the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation, which can be purchased on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon Music.

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Here are the locations in which to participate:

• Vistas at Red Creek Apartments - 5751 Green Hill Rd. - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
• Wall Brethren Church - 7921 Loop 570, Wall, TX - 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Angelo Skate & Fun Center - 34 Buick St. - 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• Northside Boys & Girls Club - 1802 N. Lillie - 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• Wesley Trinity United Methodist Church - 18th/MLK - 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
• Goodfellow Family Housing - 2025 Longhorn Dr. - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Solid Rock Church - 1305 Koberlin St. - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• Bent Tree Apartments - 1625 Sunset Dr. - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• Brixton Apartments - 555 Smith Blvd. - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Sgt. Tim Coffman at (325) 481-2709.