Get ready for one of the most important events of the year in our community – National Night Out!

On the evening of Tuesday, October 7th, Durham County will be one of many jurisdictions across the United States participating in this annual event designed to connect law enforcement with the community.

I, for one, am excited to join with our Durham County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), County leadership, and the Board of County Commissioners in heading out into our wonderful neighborhoods and communities to take part this year!

Be it at a local block party, public park, neighborhood association, or porch, this is the time when deputies and staff representing the Sheriff’s Office will be out and about at multiple locations to keep building community partnerships. We look forward to interacting with the City of Durham Police Department, who will also be out in the community between 1 and 9 p.m.

You may be wondering, why does Durham hold National Night Out in October, instead of the first Tuesday in August, which is when the “official” NNO campaign runs?

We simply wanted to make the event more enjoyable for residents and participants. Quite simply, in early August, temperatures can hover around 100 degrees. In October, it’s usually much more comfortable!

Because National Night Out promotes positive police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, DCSO is stepping forward to achieve the following goals:

• Strengthen Community Partnerships: To build stronger, lasting relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
• Heighten Crime Prevention Awareness: To increase awareness of neighborhood-based crime and drug prevention programs.
• Promote Neighborhood Spirit: To encourage community involvement and a sense of collective responsibility for neighborhood safety.
• Send a Message to Criminals: To show that neighborhoods are united, organized, and actively fighting crime.

“Community policing creates a partnership between law enforcement and residents and is designed to improve mutual trust as well as more effectively prevent and suppress criminal activity,” said Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead. “In the end, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office continues to make communities safer and more caring places to live and work. Nothing embodies this spirit more than NNO.”

Questions? Please email the DCSO Office of Community Engagement at GJMarsh@durhamsheriff.org.

We hope to see you Tuesday for a fabulous night of community, conversation, and fun!

Until next week,

Claudia Hager | County Manager