Jefferson City police and residents from at least nine neighborhoods will be hosting National Night Out activities designed to better communication between police and residents.
Thursday will be the 32nd year for the event, according to Kevin Kempker, Jefferson City Police Department crime prevention officer. Events like these, he said, are even more important in the aftermath of events in Ferguson, recent mass shootings and shootings of law enforcement officers around the country.
"The event is designed to encourage creating or reinforcing Neighborhood Watch programs," he said. "We can never have too many watches. The purpose of Neighborhood Watch programs is to urge observation and awareness among neighbors. Participants are asked to report suspicious or unusual activity."
Kempker said Neighborhood Watch members are cautioned not to confront strangers or intercede in suspicious activity.
"We have had some unique ideas come out of these programs," he said. "In a couple of areas, residents have started their own citizen patrol, just walking around and making an outside presence known.
"They carry cell phones so they can call us if they see something suspicious," he said. "These are in areas where there are a lot of children and families want to make sure they stay safe."
Kempker said nine parties are currently planned for Thursday; they will generally run from 6-9 p.m.
Police are also asking residents to turn on their outdoor lights to show support for the event.
"Crime is costly," Kempker said. "Victims lose possessions and the sense of security. Society pays the price of prosecution and incarceration. In contrast, crime prevention is proactive. We all can play a role by being alert and vigilant, and by promptly reporting suspicious activity to authorities. National Night Out provides an opportune time to start or strengthen those efforts."
If you'd like to participate or host a block party in conjunction with the event, contact the department's Crime Prevention Office at 573-634-6398.
As another effort to improve communications between police and residents, Kempker said the department plans to host "Coffee with a Cop" starting later this month at McDonald's locations on Eastland Drive, South Ten Mile Drive and Missouri Boulevard.