National Night Out is Aug. 7

The Hastings Police Department is encouraging neighborhoods across Hastings to organize a National Night Out gathering on Tuesday, Aug. 7. National Night Out is an annual event that involves neighborhoods, businesses, and civic groups coming together with law enforcement and local government officials to increase community cohesiveness and heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.

National Night Out gatherings in Hastings and surrounding communities have included events and activities such as block parties, cookouts, youth activities and visits by police, sheriff and fire personnel.

“Research proves that neighborhoods where residents know each other have fewer crime and quality of life problems,” said Hastings Police Chief Paul Schnell. “These gatherings serve as a means of bringing people together to strengthen neighborhood spirit, enhance community connectedness, and grow local government public safety partnerships.”

The Hastings Police Department asks that local National Night Out event organizers register gatherings with the Hastings Police Department by calling Sergeant James Galland at 651-480-2301 or emailing HPD@ci.hasitngs.mn.us. Registration helps police and fire department staff to plan a visit to your gathering. We will need the address for your event and the neighborhood organizer’s name(s) and phone number(s).

For additional information about National Night Out or resources for planning an event, go to www.nationaltownwatch.org.

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