WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) recognizing the importance of neighborhood crime prevention, community policing and National Night Out.  Stupak and Congressman Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.), as co-chairmen of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, introduced the resolution, which expresses congressional support for these programs and encourages the president to make them a priority.  This is the eighth consecutive year Stupak has introduced the resolution.

“National Night Out demonstrates to all of the men and women in law enforcement that Americans are fully behind their efforts to combat crime,” Stupak said.  “All Americans should mark the occasion by participating in local events and, in doing so, sending a strong message to criminals and law-breakers that we are united in ensuring the safety of our communities.”

The 25^th annual National Night Out, a nationwide grassroots crime prevention event, will take place this year on Tuesday, August 5, 2008.  Over the past two decades National Night Out has played a critical role in creating police-community partnerships and in the success of America’s community crime prevention.  Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from more than 11,130 communities in all 50 states.  In all, more than 35.4 million people participated in National Night Out 2007.

Community crime-prevention is one of the most effective ways to help law enforcement officials combat crime.  Whether it is stopping illegal drug sales, making schools safer, locating missing children or remaining vigilant against terrorism, local law enforcement officials depend on the support of community networks to succeed.  The active involvement of citizens and the presence of local law enforcement in communities is a winning combination that makes and keeps neighborhoods safe.

“Representing the more than 35 million participants of National Night Out in more than 11,000 communities in all 50 states and beyond, I would like to express our great appreciation to Congressmen Stupak and Ramstad as well as the many other members of the House Law Enforcement Caucus for their support of citizen-led community crime prevention,” said Matt Peskin, founder and executive director of National Association of Town Watch (NATW), which organizes National Night Out.  “As this year is the 25th anniversary of National Night Out, it is especially important to recognize the success of citizen volunteers and local law enforcement in building police-community partnerships that address local crime and help to make neighborhoods safer places in which to live and work.”