Hendricks County is one of many across the nation that will participate in the annual National Night Out event (NNO) on Aug. 5. Police departments from Plainfield, Avon, Brownsburg, Danville, and Pittsboro plan to join in on the event meant to build awareness within communities about crime and drug usage.

According to the NNO website, the event is "a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie."

Although the event may last for only one evening, its effects are long-lasting because it helps to encourage community members to take a stand against crime within neighborhoods.

Avon

The Avon Police Department is participating in the NNO campaign for the first time. Presentations are planned for 6 to 9 p.m. at the Avon Town Hall.

"NNO has proven to be an effective and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer nation," the department said in a press release.

Sgt. Jeff Lewis said that Avon participants will learn how to make their homes safer, be provided general personal safety ideas and practices, and get their children fingerprinted and photographed with the department's new digital child identification system at the event.

For more information, call 272-4485.

Brownsburg

Last year the Brownsburg department had more than 500 people turn out for a cookout and fair-like event. Organizers say the expect this year's event to be bigger and better.

Assistant Police Chief Mike Dove said they are expecting anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 people.

"We saw the turnout last year and decided to add even more activities and advertise more," he said. "This is a way for us to exchange ideas with the community and to make the public aware of the quality police department we have here."

In addition to their popular grill-out, Dove said the department will display all of its different equipment, along with the apparatus from the fire department and department of natural resources, among others.

"We want to show all that Brownsburg has to offer and what kind of public safety things we have available to us," he said.

There will also be bands playing, various activities for all ages, and local organizations - including John Force Racing East, the Salvation Army, and restaurants - participating in the event.

"Most of the officers will be there and people will have the chance to learn about what we do," said Brownsburg Officer Jeff Gray. "It's also a great way to come out and meet people who you may otherwise not have the chance to talk to."

The event is from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Brownsburg Town Hall lawn. For more information, call 852-1106.

Danville

The Danville Police Department will join forces with the Hendricks County Sheriff's Department for this year's NNO event. They will be stationed on the south lot of the Hendricks County Fairgrounds from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

"We'll have free food and various agencies participating," Sheriff's Department Lt. Jeff Yetter said.

Officials are still in the process of planning the event, but have invited the FBI, local organizations, and the Danville Fire Department to join them.

For more information, call the Hendricks County Sheriff's Department at 745-6269.

Pittsboro

The Pittsboro Police Department will pair with the fire department there for their event.

From 6 to 8 p.m. police officers and firefighters will meet and greet the public at the Pittsboro Fire Station, offer child fingerprinting, serve free hot dogs, and hold K-9 unit demonstrations.

Pittsboro Chief Christi Patterson said they will also be distributing free bicycle helmets to children who do not already have them.

For more information, call the Pittsboro Police Department at 892-3329.

Plainfield

Plainfield residents are encouraged to turn their porch lights on from 6 to 9 p.m. and mingle with neighbors. The department says that the ultimate goal of their event is to strengthen relationships with neighbors. In return, they believe, that will strengthen the neighborhood crime watch programs already established.

Lt. Jill Lees will meet with residents in each participating neighborhood to show support for the crime watch program and to answer questions or concerns from residents.

"This is a great way to get to know your neighbors and an opportunity to meet and greet the police as well," Lees said. "We'd also like to get people together in their neighborhoods and make them aware of different issues in the community."

For more information, call Lees at 838-3565.



wendy.gould@flyergroup.com