The annual anti-crime event "National Night Out" is tonight.

Law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses and local officials in over 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide will join forces to mark the event's 26th year.

Nationally, over 34 million people are expected to participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ this year, including community centers across Arkansas' capital city.

Little Rock City Director Joan Adcock says, “This is where neighbors meet neighbor, and then we form neighborhoods. The best way to fight crime is to know your neighbor, and how do we know them if we stay behind closed doors? Come and let your children introduce you to the neighbors, they know them and so can you. She drives a  brown car, she has two children, come find out her name and tell her yours.”

National Night Out is an opportunity to celebrate “community” with neighbors helping neighbors.  Together, we can make our neighborhoods safer and improve our quality of life,” says Mayor Mark Stodola.

According to the National Association of Town Watch, which coordinates national efforts, National Night Out is designed to:

• Heighten crime, drug and violence prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships;
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

In Little Rock, these goals will be accomplished in a  variety of ways. Food, games, and information are staples at each site, every location puts its own unique twist on it. Most sites also have visits from Little Rock Police and Fire personnel.  “I am very excited about this year’s National Night Out,” said City Manager Bruce Moore. “Having a chance to visit various communities across Little Rock and interact with neighborhood residents and City staff is one of the highlights of my year.”

Click here to learn more about National Night Out.