Local communities participate in anti-crime, drug prevention event Published July 29, 2010 By Senior Airman Travis Whittington 97th Intelligence Squadron OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Communities across America will come together Aug. 3 for National Night Out in an effort to curb drug use and crime. During the annual gatherings, communities and local law enforcement officials get the opportunity to meet and work together in crime and drug abuse prevention. In Bellevue, the chamber of commerce along with many other local organizers are working together with police and communities to offer this free, non-profit drug and crime prevention program annually, in an effort to decrease violence and addiction within their neighborhoods. "Our short- term goal is to bring neighborhoods together and give the community a fun and positive experience with law enforcement, fire fighters and city officials," said Bellevue Community Policing Coordinator Jayme Krueger. "Our long term goal is to build a community that looks out for each other and gets involved with Neighborhood Watch." Ms. Krueger is responsible for soliciting and organizing donations and events for National Night Out and Neighborhood Watch. Beginning in 1984, the National Night Out was started as a nationwide effort to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anti-crime efforts. The first year alone, 400 communities in 23 states participated with more than 2.5 million Americans taking part in community events. National Night Out is referred to as "America's Night Out Against Crime," according to nationaltownwatch.org. Since Offutt is a large part of the Bellevue community, Ms. Krueger said she would really like to work with military members in the local area, such as base housing, to expand National Night Out and promote anti-drug and crime awareness. Over the past three years, approximately 70 parties have been hosted throughout the Bellevue community on the night out. Some party hosts have held annual events in Bellevue for more than a decade. In addition to these events, National Night Out participants are given glow necklaces, stickers, coloring books and other items, courtesy of funds raised through the Neighborhood Watch program. For more information on local programs both in Bellevue and other area communities, visit http://www.nationalnightout.org/nno/ or contact local program leaders via facebook, twitter or community newspapers. (Airman Whittington is a volunteer staff writer in the 55th Wing Public Affairs Office)