Local agencies to meet with communities for National Night Out

JACKSON, Tenn. — First responders will meet with members of the community Tuesday for National Night Out. The annual event brings neighborhoods together to take a stand against crime.

“The main goal is for us to get out and interact with the public,” Jackson Police Department Lt. Byron Taylor said.

Taylor said groups will host 18 block parties across the city. Officers will attend and get to know people in a more casual setting. “When you’re approachable and you break down the barriers, people are more inclined to come and talk to you,” he said.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said they have 53 neighborhood watch groups in the county and seven parties scheduled for Tuesday night. It is an opportunity to get to know your neighbors.

“Crime is a community problem, and anytime that we can get neighbors to help each other, help watch out for each other, it’s always positive,” Madison County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Allen Castleman said.

Jackson police and the sheriff’s office both said they expect hundreds of people to attend these block parties.

Deputies said events like this can help cut down on crime. “If they see something suspicious, they will be concerned about their neighbor enough to call law enforcement,” Castleman said.

Law enforcement said these parties are fun, and some include games and activities for kids. “There’s a lot of places you can go and have a good, fun time,” Taylor said.

Block parties in Jackson and Madison County kick off at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Martin police said several neighborhoods there will also host block parties Tuesday night. For more information or to register your neighborhood and learn more about the event or how to participate in Martin, contact Capt. Phillip Fuqua at 731-587-5355 ext. 241 or by e-mail at pfuqua@martindps.org.