College Park residents gathered with public safety officials on Tuesday, August 1 for the 2023 National Night Out!

The event is a community-police partnership that celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Introduced in August 1984, National Night Out brings together a network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic associations, state and regional public safety stakeholders, and residents to raise awareness about crime prevention. Five neighborhoods observed the holiday, providing an opportunity for residents to get to know public safety officials and personnel.

Neighborhood watch committees in Berwyn, Cherry Hill, College Park Woods, Lakeland, and North College Park organized fun activities for kids and adults of all ages. Local public safety departments like the Prince George's Police Department, the University of Maryland Police Department, M-NCPPC police, and City code enforcement participated in each community event. In Berwyn and North College Park, local Boy Scout Troops made hotdogs for participants while residents in Cherry Hill and College Park Woods mingled with members of the Prince George's County Department of Social Services. The College Park Volunteer Fire Department joined the event activities in Lakeland, which included a backpack giveaway for students. Although each gathering is different, National Night Out allows all residents to build positive relationships with public safety officials.

The annual tradition highlights the importance of everyday vigilance and neighborhood watch teams. Thank you to everyone who organized and attended the events!