The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and Riverside County Fire/CalFire will host a National Night Out event on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Rancho Mirage Community Park. The event is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to create safer, more caring places to live. It also aims to enhance the relationship between neighbors, law enforcement, and emergency services, while fostering a sense of community.
National Night Out was launched in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) to promote community engagement and crime prevention. Founded by Matt Peskin, the initiative encouraged neighbors to come together and strengthen their sense of community. The first events took place in August 1984, involving about 2.5 million people in 400 communities across 23 states. As communities saw the benefits of building stronger relationships between residents and local police, the event’s popularity skyrocketed. National Night Out currently reaches millions of people across thousands of communities in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide.
Today, it remains a vital part of many communities’ efforts to improve safety and build a sense of togetherness. It serves as a reminder of the power of community spirit and the importance of working collaboratively to create safer, more welcoming neighborhoods.
Come and celebrate National Night Out with us on October 1! Our local law enforcement, including SWAT, Aviation, K-9, and Bomb Squad, Firefighters, and community leaders will be on hand to discuss crucial topics such as home safety, cybersecurity, and emergency preparedness. Enjoy a variety of activities, including bounce houses, food trucks, caricature artists, face painting, and a DJ, all designed to entertain and engage our youth. It’s a fantastic chance to learn, have fun, and connect with your neighbors and our first responders!
