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Night
Out Draws Largest Crowd in Years
Local law enforcement
teams with churches, businesses as community stands up to crime
By
Allison Jean Eaton
Bulletin
Staff Writer
COMPTON – As
communities throughout the United States came together to stand up
to crime in their neighborhoods, local residents turned-out in high
numbers to participate in this year’s National Night Out Against
Crime (NNOAC) activities.
According to Compton Station officials, the Tuesday, Aug. 5 crowd
at Gateway Towne Center was the largest they have seen in the past several
years. At least 400 residents came out to participate.
Now in its 25th year, NNOAC is held annually in thousands of cities
and towns across America. It was launched by the National Association of
Town Watch to heighten crime- and drug-prevention awareness; generate support
for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood
spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals
that neighborhoods are organized and taking the streets back.
“The main purpose is getting the community to partner with law enforcement,” Operations
Lt. Joseph Gooden said. “Often we’re so busy trying to handle
the serious crime sometimes that we don’t have the time to slow down
and do that. This is a time for us to slow down and talk with the
community and hear their concerns.”
Myriad organizations, churches and block clubs participated in the
two-hour long event held in the parking lot adjacent to Target, the event’s
national sponsor. Children were able to jump in inflatable bounce houses,
enter contests and make and paint their own birdhouses, among other activities.
Others strolled from booth to booth to obtain informational materials
on a wide range of services offered by the businesses present as well as
safety tips.
The Faith Inspirational Missionary Baptist Church choir and a deejay
provided musical entertainment.
Some in attendance expressed concern that, except for members of
the fire department, no elected officials or representatives from the city
of Compton were on hand.
That same night, the City Council was tied up in a special meeting
to allow former City Atty. Legrand Clegg to officially submit his letter
of resignation relative to his Aug. 8 retirement and to appoint his replacement.
Last year, the Sheriff’s Department partnered with Our Lady of Victory
Catholic Church to host the event, in which a number of city and
elected officials participated.
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