National Night Out

National Night Out is Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Get Involved 

National Night Out Application (PDF) - If you're interested in hosting a National Night Out event in your neighborhood, please fill out the application and return to the San Marcos Police Department.

Join the National Association of Town Watch! Register with the NATW to receive an organizational kit to help you get started.

What is National Night Out?

National Night Out (NNO), held the 1st Tuesday in October, has been extraordinarily successful in promoting involvement in crime and drug prevention activities, strengthening police-community relations, and encouraging neighborhood camaraderie as part of the fight for safer streets.

NNO Logo 2023

Since 1984, "National Night Out - America's Night Out Against Crime" has grown to involve over 27 million people from more than 8,700 communities. Along with the traditional porch-sitting and 'lights on' initiatives, individual areas sponsor locally tailored events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from law enforcement, rallies and marches. "NNO" is a popular and effective vehicle for heightening awareness, enhancing policy-community relations, and bolstering volunteer morale.

"National Night Out" has the support of many agencies and organizations, including the U.S. Congress, Justice Department, FBI, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. "NNO" has grown to involve cities and law enforcement agencies from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canada and U.S. military bases around the world.

National Association of Town Watch

The National Association of Town Watch (NATW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of organized, law enforcement-affiliated crime and drug prevention programs. Members include: Neighborhood, Crime, Community, Town and Block Watch Groups; law enforcement agencies; state and regional crime prevention associations; and a variety of businesses, civic groups and concerned individuals working to make their communities safer places in which to live and work.

Since 1981, NATW's network of information, assistance and affiliation has been serving hundreds of member-groups from throughout North America. As a national group member of the Crime Prevention Coalition, NATW supports the "McGruff - Take A Bite Out Of Crime" campaign. NATW's center of information, programs and technical assistance works with law enforcement and civilian leaders to keep volunteers interested, involved and motivated.

"Begin your effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back..." (NATW Website)