CCSO Invites Charles County Residents to National Night Out

Attention all neighborhoods: On August 2, 2016, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., neighborhoods throughout Charles County are invited to team up with thousands of communities across the country for the 33rd Annual National Night Out (NNO). Sheriff Troy Berry and members of the CCSO will join residents to celebrate the community’s alliance against crime, drugs and violence. Representatives from Charles County Crime Solvers, Explorers Post #1658 and even McGruff the Crime Dog and McGruff’s nephew Scruff will be on hand to meet residents.

The National Association of Town Watch (NATW) launched National Night Out 33 years ago. According to the website, NATW.org, “National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. It furthermore provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together.”

Neighborhoods across Charles County will host block parties with food, games, music, and other activities. Many residents will light their porch lights to demonstrate their support for NNO. “National Night Out is a fantastic community event which aids in our mission to continue to build on the great relationship we have with the citizens of Charles County. Residents can not only come out and meet their neighbors, but also meet the officers that serve in their neighborhoods,” said Sheriff Berry. “This is a great opportunity for citizens and law enforcement to build camaraderie and together take a stand against crime.”

The CCSO is also holding its annual coloring contest for children ages 4-12 in participating neighborhoods. Neighborhood representatives will be provided with the coloring pages after their neighborhoods are registered for National Night Out. The coloring pages can then be distributed to the children in their particular communities. The artwork is due by August 29th and can be turned in to any CCSO district station or to the Community Services office located on Audie Lane in La Plata. The pages are judged, and two winners will be selected from several age groups.  The winners will be notified by mail, and awards will be presented in October.

For over 20 years, the National Association of Town Watch has recognized Charles County’s participation by awarding the agency its Category II Award for Community Participation. Last year, 158 neighborhoods in Charles County participated in National Night Out.

To find out if your neighborhood is participating, to register your neighborhood to participate, or to make a donation to NNO, contact Community Organizer Connie Gray at 301-932-3080.

Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of a person responsible for a crime in Charles County. Anyone with information about an unsolved crime or the location of a fugitive may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com. All individuals who provide tips through Crime Solvers will remain anonymous. Learn more at the CCSO’s website.