National Night Out 2017

National Night Out is an event for all vigilant citizens dedicated to making their neighborhoods safer through police-community partnerships. In the awareness-raising campaign set for Tuesday, Aug. 1, the Mobile Police Department invites neighborhoods to learn about current public safety efforts and police specialized units.

Organized since 1983 in the City of Mobile, National Night Out is about community building. This year, Community Action Groups (CAGs) and Nextdoor neighborhoods will come together in the arena of the Civic Center to get an up-close and personal look into public safety, network with law enforcement, watch live demonstrations and visit interactive exhibits on display.

The Mobile Police Department Motorcycle Unit will stage an obstacle course to show how officers train to prepare for traffic enforcement, patrol duties, escorts, and parades. The Mounted Unit will demonstrate crowd control techniques, and the Bomb Squad Unit will show off how it utilizes its robot to respond to life-saving situations. The K-9 Unit will present how it assists in criminal investigations.

Additional displays and demos will be provided by Mobile Fire-Rescue, Mobile Marine Police, City of Mobile Public Works and Parks & Recreation, U.S. Coast Guard, and many more agencies and vendors.

Those involved in CAGs and Nextdoor will be recognized for their fight against crime. Speakers include Police Chief Lawrence Battiste, Assistant Police Chief Clay Godwin and Public Safety Executive Director James Barber. The Mayor’s Office, City Council and judges also make attendance.

620 Jazz Band opens up the pre-show at 5 p.m. followed by the prayer for peace and program beginning at 5:30 p.m. Door prizes will be given throughout the program.

An opportunity for more neighborhood camaraderie will be at the Crime Prevention 5K Run/Walk that will take place in Bienville Square at 6:30 p.m. Runners may register by mail (registration form) or in person at McCoy Outdoor, Run-N-Tri or Fleet Feet in Mobile, or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on July 31. Click here for online registration.

The Mobile Police Department Crime Prevention Unit organizes National Night Out each year. For more information, call 251-208-1924.