Annual event to heighten crime awareness

The Carson City Sheriff's Office is hosting its annual National Night Out event 5-

8 p.m. Tuesday at Mills Park.

According to organizer and DARE Officer Lisa Davis, National Night Out is designed 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 letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back"

The theme continues to be "Carson City Crime-Fighting Partnerships."

New to the event the Carson City Sheriff's Office will be demonstrating crime mapping, which pinpoints crimes happening in the city.

"The most powerful community is an informed community. We post information on our website - including statistics from the Uniform Crime Reporting - not to cause alarm or fear, but so that citizens can be aware of trends in crime and take appropriate measures to protect themselves," said Sheriff Ken Furlong.

Additionally, people are invited to turn on their porch lights as a sign of solidarity, lock their doors and spend the evening at Mills Park with law enforcement, public safety agencies and their neighbors, Davis said.

Representatives will be present from the Carson City Sheriff's Office, Department of Public Safety, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), local military including the United States Marines, Nevada Air National Guard, United States Army and numerous other organizations.

There will be music, free hot dogs (while supplies last), hands-on activities and vehicle and equipment displays.

National Night Out started in 1984 with 400 communities in 23 states, and 2.5 million Americans participating.

This is Carson City's eighth year participating in the event.