Community leaders and individuals talk about the impact National Night Out has had on them and their communities.

"National Night Out means more to us than you will ever know. I am thankful to you, the members of NATW, for not only having a positive influence on my life, but for spearheading a program that has really enriched and touched so many hearts and homes within our community."
- David Spigelmyer, Crime Prevention Officer, Richardson, TX.

"National Night Out has proven to be an ideal way to get neighborhood watch block clubs started. People are busy and it can be difficult to bring neighbors together just to get know each other. But in Minneapolis, NNO’s positive message, step-by-step directions, handy customer service, helpful materials, plentiful door prizes, and national significance have encouraged many groups to come together for the fist time. Each year, a significant number of NNO events mark the beginning of new neighborhood watch groups. First-time NNO event organizers often become the ongoing leadership for the blocks."
- Community Crime Prevention/SAFE, Minneapolis, MN.

"I suppose that there are many coordinators throughout the United States, and possibly the world, who could go on for endless hours about the impact of National Night Out on the lives of their communities – and just how many friends have been made, alliances forged and commitments rekindled all because of 3 hours a year spent getting to know our neighbor next door. National Night Out has truly facilitated the building of bridges between the community and law enforcement – where other methods have failed. NNO has been the catalyst which has ignited a community to renew its vows to never let crime dictate our quality of life. We continue to be blessed with the devoted personnel of NATW - along with every local NNO group whose commitment makes our society safer."
- Shreveport Police Department, LA.

"National Night Out is a central point of focus for our community to rally together to fight crime. National Night Out is also an essential component to Neighborhood Watch; it allows our entire community to celebrate and come together. Through NNO events, Modesto has been able to showcase our community pride and spirit."
- Chief Roy W. Wasden, Modesto Police Department, CA.

"National Night Out is not just an everyday event. It is a symbolic, nationwide crime prevention event that reflects the day in and day out cooperation of our citizens and police. It remains the cornerstone of our crime prevention efforts."
- Stacy L. Bolin, Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, Annapolis Police Department, MD.

"As one of the nation’s most prominent civic events, I encourage all Californians to take part in National Night Out in their community. This event is a fantastic opportunity for residents and law enforcement to come together to fight crime and celebrate community spirit."

"Because of the NNO event, it feels that our neighborhood is closer and friendlier. We even started up a ladies BUNCO Night that will meet once a month. I feel that the NNO party was a success. Judging by the comments made by my neighbors, I think they’d agree."
- Carrie, Ramsey, MN.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the National Association of Town Watch and Target for sponsoring and organizing this great event. It really brings us together with the citizens and shows what a great community we share. Being in law enforcement, it is wonderful when the good in people comes together and we join forces in protecting what is ours."
- Sergeant Staci Leyble, Jacksonville Police Department, Jacksonville, NC.

"It can easily be said that National Night Out has affected the Central Texas Crime Prevention Association in a tremendous way. The positive influence the NNO has on people is far reaching – and will lead us into next year’s National Night Out celebration."
- Claude Gomez, President, Central Texas Crime Prevention Association.

"Throughout the years, the NNO has demonstrated the positive value of a strong community and police partnership based on a mutual concern for the safety of our neighborhoods. With each porch light that is left on, each flashlight in hand, and each streetlight that illuminates commercial areas, a beacon of hope is sent to good, honest citizens, with the message that crime will not be tolerated."
- Governor Eliot Spitzer, State of New York.

"Throughout our country, National Night Out provides an opportunity for neighbors to come together and learn about ways to get involved in protecting their communities. It is also an opportunity to strengthen partnerships between citizens and law enforcement officers in our towns. I applaud all those taking part in NNO, and I encourage all Americans to help fight crime in their communities by volunteering and participating in crime prevention organizations."
- President George W. Bush.

"We, as a community, strongly believe that this one night a year makes a tremendous difference by building stronger relationships that grow throughout the year. This is what makes St. Paul a strong and vibrant city where people want to live, work and raise families. We know that, by participating in National Night Out, we do give crime and drugs a going away party and we do send a message to criminals."
- The City of Saint Paul, MN.

"I could not have been happier with the turnout. We have tried for years to get people involved in a block captain sign-up and could never get more than a few streets involved. Thanks to our National Night Out event, we have a full block captain system in place. The presence of the police and fire departments was so exciting."
- Christine, Denton, TX.

"National Night Out 2007 was most successful, not just because of the number of people who attended, but because of the new faces we saw – who left with a better sense of community and how to make their neighborhoods safer. The success was also apparent in the children. They participated with their local police in educational and fun activities. One child, after dancing with one of our officers, started to walk away and then turned and ran back to give her a hug. National Night Out offers the opportunity to improve our community – one person at a time."
- West Valley Area, Los Angeles Police Department, CA.

"I just wanted to thank you personally for all of your hard work at keeping National Night Out going across the country. It is such an important event to the communities that participate – especially here in Indianapolis. We look forward to helping you celebrate 25 years of success in the efforts of crime prevention."
- Shirley Purvitis, ICPS, Indianapolis Police Department, IN.

"I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how pleased I am with the success the City of Columbus enjoyed with this year’s celebration of National Night Out. The Columbus Division of Police has taken a leadership role in bringing this community-oriented program to our citizens. This year, there were 39 events held throughout the City. This is another successful collaboration between the community, Columbus Division of Police, sponsors, and the National Association of Town Watch, in promoting cooperation in the battle against crime. The relationships fostered through this event shall carry forward throughout the year – culminating in higher arrests and the successful prosecution of the criminal element."
- Chief James G. Jackson, Chief, Columbus Division of Police, OH.

"I have explained to my library board that we are a part of National Night Out because it is not only a police event – but a community event. What a great way to meet new people and promote the library – while working on a safer environment."
- Betsy Adamoski, Library Director, Village of Itasca, IL.

"I am honored to present to you out story of how NNO has made a difference in our Walteria community for the past five years. Bringing neighborhoods together for National Night Out has created a sense of unity and strength – at a time when the feeling of living in a small town seems like a thing of the past. There is a confidence that resonates in our neighborhood – as residents know that they are surrounded by people who share in the responsibility of watching out for one another."
- Maureen, Walteria Neighborhood Watch, Torrance, CA.

"This was our block’s first NNO block party – and the first block party of any kind in recent history. People met their neighbors and got to know each other. It was a wonderful event and a turning point for our block. We now have a list with most block members’ names and phone numbers. Two of our elderly residents have lived in their house for 60 years. It’s about time we got to know them!"
- Sandra, Howe neighborhood, Minneapolis, MN.

"The fact that the nation celebrates National Night Out, under the auspices of NATW, gave Miami residents and police officers a feeling of bonding and moral support. The entire nation is celebrating at the same time which shows that we are a supporting team – fighting together to keep crime out of our streets."
- Miami Police Department, FL