National Night Out started decades ago with neighbors simply turning on porch lights to recognize and stand against crime. But now it's evolved into block parties, cookouts, and a night of fellowship.
It's also a recruitment opportunity for Neighborhood Watch groups. Corporal Scott Boak with the Winston-Salem Police Department says that neighbors communicating and keeping their eyes open is crucial:
“..the biggest thing is getting people to pay attention, recognize suspicious activity, and not be afraid to report that suspicious activity to the police, so that they're helping us to help them.”
Forty neighborhoods in Winston-Salem will be participating. Police officers will be at each gathering, and available to field questions from community members. The opening ceremony for National Night Out is being held at 700 North Highland Ave Monday at 6 p.m.