DATE: Sunday, August 3, 1997                TAG: 9708010266

SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN             PAGE: 04   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   45 lines

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IS WAY TO MEET NEIGHBORS TURN ON THE LIGHTS AND SIT ON THE PORCH.

Neighborhoods in Suffolk are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities across the country for the 14th annual National Night Out.

From 7 to 10 p.m., Tuesday, residents will be asked to turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with police officers and neighbors.

The crime and drug prevention event, sponsored nationally by the National Association of Town Watch and locally by the Suffolk Police Department, involves over 9,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases around the world.

About 30 million people are expected to participate in the event which is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, support local anti-crime efforts, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships.

``We want to send a message to criminals - letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back,'' said Mike Simpkins, the police department's public information officer.

``We want to take back the neighborhoods and make them a safer place.

``You can express yourself by going outside with your neighbors and an officer,'' he said, ``or just by burning the outside lights.''

Many Suffolk neighborhoods are hosting special events including visits from the police.

Some areas are having block parties, cookouts, parades, flashlight walks, youth activities, and anti-crime and anti-drug rallies emphasizing crime and drug prevention.

``I've learned, through the course of my work in the Community Policing Unit, that stronger, healthier communities are the central driving force behind improving Suffolk's quality of life,'' said Officer P.C. King. ``More importantly - the people in our communities working together for a common goal holds the key to a better tomorrow.''

The Police Department is hoping that at least 25 people from each community becomes involved.

``Tuesday, turn your porch light on and let the beam help give support to this year's theme for National Night Out,'' said Officer J.H. Jackson. ``Give neighborhood crime and drugs a going-away party.'' MEMO: For information, call 925-6350.

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