National Night Out - in the afternoon

By Aileen Streng

Published: August 2, 2008

Families from across the area came out Saturday afternoon to help police officers kick off their observance of "National Night Out."

They packed the Sean T. Connaughton Plaza behind the Prince William County McCoart Administration building, which in turn was packed with exhibits, games, a moon bounce, dunking tank, and a whole bunch of impressive law enforcement equipment and vehicles.

While this year's national

observance will be held on Tuesday, the Prince William Police Department decided a few years ago to kick off the annual event with a weekend day of fun activities to involve more families, said Prince William police Officer Kim Sawicki, with the Crime Prevention Unit that sponsored the event.

National Night Out, now in its 25th year, is a crime and drug prevention event that is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. It is designed to heighten awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime programs.

"We hope these events foster positive relationships between the officers and the citizens and lets the criminals know that we are all fighting back," Sawicki said.

As part of the nation observance on Tuesday, the county police department's three motorcades will be out in neighborhoods with lights and sirens for block parties in order to generate support for neighborhood watches, Sawicki said.

"We want people to know that together we can make a difference. "It's fun."

Charisse Frederick of Woodbridge brought daughter Sierah, 11, and son Christopher, 9, out with her to Satur-day's event. "This is awesome," she said. "What better way is this to promote these im-portant issues than by having fun."

"So far we've seen balloons, guns, a police dog—a lot of the flashing stuff and we are just getting started," said Brigit Talkington of Dale City. She and husband, Adam, brought their four children, Piran, 11; Darien, 9; Galen 7; Caitlyn, 5, along with Kathryn Forestello, 15, out to the event.

"They're very excited," Brigit Talkington said. It was also an opportunity for all the children to earn Scout service credits, she said.

Piran said his favorite part so far was seeing the SWAT team's equipment and weapons.

The county police, along with other law enforcement agencies, had lots of equipment on display and officers on hand to offer explanations.

There were also community service booths, entertainment, refreshments and chances to win prizes, along with McGruff the Crime Dog—of course.

Sawicki encouraged all residents to turn on their porch lights on Tuesday to show support for National Night Out and the fight against crime.

Staff writer Aileen Streng can be reached at 703-878-8010.