STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT
ON NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

“Through the Neighborhood Watch program, citizens across America join with their local law enforcement agencies to make their streets safer, their neighborhoods stronger, and their families more secure. Since its origination, some 30 years ago, the Neighborhood Watch Program has helped prevent crime in communities across America. National Night Out is an annual celebration of this partnership and its success.

“There is much to celebrate this year. In 2004, Neighborhood Watch, under the leadership of the National Sheriffs’ Association, met President George W. Bush’s challenge to double the number of watch groups. We are also experiencing a 30-year low in violent crimes. We have made a lot of progress, but we can and we must build on these successes.

“As citizens and law enforcement take to the sidewalks of their neighborhoods for National Night Out, I commend those who have met their civic duty by joining together to strengthen their communities, and ask them to rededicate their efforts.”

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