This month the Maryland Transit Administration Police Force will host an event to celebrate the 31 Annual National Night Out, a year-long community building campaign designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, organized by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). MTA Police are hosting the event on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Patapsco Light Rail Station, 698 W. Patapsco Avenue and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Rogers Avenue Metro Station, 4300 Hayward Avenue. MTA Police will be on hand to meet and greet the public, answer questions, discuss MTA system safety initiatives and promote the national Night Out effort.
According to Colonel John E. Gavrilis, Chief of MTA Police, “The National Night Out event generates support and participation in local anti-crime programs while strengthening neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. It also sends a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”
Traditionally, Baltimore neighborhoods participate in the event by keeping outside lights on as a symbolic front porch vigil. However, according to MTA Police Captain Kelly Holman, “City-wide National Night Out celebrations also include block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, youth events and safety fairs. The activities are really events that build and promote neighborhood unity which is always a good thing.”
The National Association of Town Watch (NATW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of various crime prevention programs including neighborhood watch groups, law enforcement agencies, state and regional crime prevention associations, businesses, civic groups, and individuals, devoted to safer communities. Go to www.natw.org for more information.
