The Albert Lea Police Department is encouraging neighbors to participate in National Night Out.

Police hope participation will build stronger and healthier neighborhoods that people desire and deserve. The event also helps to build partnerships and trust between police and community.

This year’s date is Aug. 5.

Although National Night Out is a one day/night event, neighbors repeatedly report that the neighbors they meet that day help build stronger neighborhoods throughout the year, according to a news release.The relationships enable them to stay connected to one another and help to encourage dialogue between each other so if they see or heat activities, they inform each other.

National Night Out has been an annual event for over 30 years. It takes place the first Tuesday of August. It is a citywide celebration that includes all segments of the community.

National Night Out is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.

• Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs.

• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and will not tolerate their criminal behavior.

Neighborhoods choose what works for them as far as what and how they will hold their events. Alongwith the traditional block parties, many neighbors celebrate with events and activities such as cookouts, potluck dinners, games, sidewalk chalk, parades and treasure hunts .

The Albert Lea Police Department would like to help with your neighborhood National Night Out gathering. Give police a call by Tuesday if you would like an officer to speak on a topic, be present to answer questions, bring a police car for display or provide other assistance. Contact Community Service Officer Mary Schroader if have any questions at 507-377-4498.