Crime & Safety

Today: Police to Hold First-Ever National Night Out Event

The event, celebrated across the country, is aimed at community policing and crime prevention in neighborhoods.

In an effort to boost residents’ involvement in community policing, the is holding its first National Night Out today.

Held on this date across the country, National Night Out is a crime and drug prevention event that promotes neighborhood spirit.

Public Safety Director Michael P. King brought up the idea to the department whose officers are helping plan the event.

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“We want to make sure everybody is aware of what’s going on in their neighborhood,” said Officer Michael Czarzasty.

has been at the forefront of the past few years, serving as head of the and the .

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This year’s theme for National Night Out in Cinnaminson is safety. Township police officers and local businesses will be on hand to give out safety advice.

“We want to talk to [the residents],” Czarzasty said. “It’s to make people more away of what’s going on in their community. And hopefully get to know people in the area.”

Representatives from will be there to show residents their new products such as safes and door locks. Finishline Auto Salon will have vehicle security and safety items. The police will have information on .

Czarzasty said there will be a community policing table set up to show residents what programs are already in place in the township.

Other vendors include , and  who will be providing food. A shaved ice will truck will be there also. Other businesses involved will be Target, , and more.

The event is also family-oriented and face painting and an inflatable obstacle course and slide will be set up for kids. Raffles, giveaways and music are also scheduled. , will give a demonstration.

The will also be there and child safety seat inspections will be conducted.

Last year, more than 15,000 communities nationwide participated in National Night Out, the 29th annual event.

Director King said he wants this to turn into a yearly event.

“Cinnaminson Police plan to be a part of this national event for many years to come,” King said in a recent release.

After this year, King and Czarzasty said they want to be out in the neighborhoods.

“There are some neighbors who secure themselves,” Czarzasty said. “Some people have no idea what is going on in Cinnaminson. The more knowledge you can give a person to prevent crime, the better.”

National Night Out will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., today. The event will be held behind the police station in the parking lot that connects the station, the  in the . 


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