Biloxi to host National Night Out on Aug. 5

The Biloxi Police Department and its community partners will join more than 11,000 communities across the country again this year to host “National Night Out Against Crime.”

Biloxi will sponsor a free community fair on Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. on the grounds of Nativity BVM Elementary School. The event will feature free food, games and prizes for the children (including two space walks), and giveaways for adults.

The occasion also will be a chance to meet members of the Biloxi Police and Fire departments, learn more about how to prevent crime, and get an up-close look at the equipment the departments use in the course of their jobs.

The Mississippi Sea Wolves and others also will have exhibits at the fair.
National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the city, will involve more than 11,310 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases around the world. In all, more than 35.4 million people are expected to participate. The event is also supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.

National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Anyone interested in participating in the National Night Out or volunteering your time, please contact Officer Spurgeon Crosby with the Biloxi Police Department at (228) 435-6133 or (228) 348-8634 or email scrosby@biloxi.ms.us.