Norman police urge residents to join in National Night Out on Tuesday

National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, is designed to heighten awareness of how residents and police can work together to prevent crime.

Norman police Sgt. Jennifer Newell said residents are urged to organize neighborhood events, such as cookouts or ice cream socials, or just generally get together outside with their neighbors to get acquainted.

Police officers and city officials will visit scheduled events to talk about crime prevention if neighborhoods request it, she said.

Neighborhood Watch groups throughout the city are planning activities, she said, but residents don't have to be members of a watch group to participate.

Residents interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch can request that an officer talk to them about starting one, she said.

National Night Out strengthens community partnerships and neighborhood spirit, she said.

Let police know

Police want to know about scheduled events, Newell said. To let the department know about a neighborhood event, call Newell at 366-5267, email her at Jennifer.newell@normanok.gov or post details on the police department's Facebook page.