This week, about 20 neighborhood watch groups will be getting together throughout Jefferson City, and police are hopeful this year's observance of National Night Out Against Crime will spur an increase in watch programs.
Tuesday night, a number of officers went to neighborhoods armed with crime statistics and other information as well as games and toys for kids as they work to keep the lines of communication open between the public and police.
"If you work with us, we can get things done," Officer Chuck Walker told one watch group in the 1800 block of Sun Valley Drive.