National Night Out celebrations planned

Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005 | 8:57 a.m.

Neighbors and police officers across Southern Nevada will celebrate tonight the 22nd year of National Night Out, a community effort designed to take back the streets block by block from criminals.

Fifty-three block parties, barbecues, neighborhood walks and other events designed to bring neighbors together have been scheduled in Metro Police jurisdiction, Officer Bill Cassell said.

On the first Tuesday in August, cities encourage their residents to participate in America's Night Out Against Crime. Nationwide 34 million people are expected to participate in all 50 states.

Instead of Metro Police sponsoring five or six events, Cassell said the police are encouraging each neighborhood to fight crime, drugs and gangs in unique ways by coming together in their own communities.

A coalition of apartment complexes plan to celebrate in the 2500 block of Rainbow Boulevard.

In the eastern part of the valley at 6420 E. Tropicana Ave. a mobile home park is planning to welcome 400 people.

From last year's events, the one-night stand against criminals apparently works, police said.

Neighborhoods and law enforcement organizations within yards of the banks of the Las Vegas, Sloan, Cedar and Flamingo Washes came together for a year under Operation D.I.C.E. (Ditch Improvement Collaborative Effort) and reduced calls for service by 35 percent and general crime by 29.6 percent, police said.

The Northeast Area Metro Police Command launched Operation T.N.T. (Targeted Neighborhood Tagging), as partners with area resident and reduced graffiti and criminal activity that accompanies "tagging." The program began in April and has resulted in the arrest of more than 50 people.

In a former high crime area of southwest Las Vegas, Metro Police started Operation ACTION (Apartment Communities Together In Our Neighborhoods), in January this year. Apartment complex owners and managers have teamed with police and government leaders for a safer environment.

Henderson Police Department officials and residents are gathering at the Galleria Mall on Sunset Road and Stephanie Street for events promoting the prevention of crime starting at 7 tonight.

For North Las Vegas Police, the city's 10th annual National Night Out is sponsored by the city of North Las Vegas from 6 to 9 tonight at Hartke Park at Tonopah Drive and McDaniel Street.

"We encourage the community to come out for a night of free information, food, activities for children and adults, entertainment and fun," said Mark Paresi, North Las Vegas police chief.

The event is free to the public.

The National Association of Town Watch created the National Night Out.