ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan will join forces with thousands of communities nationwide Aug. 1 in observing National Night Out, an event created to foster partnerships between citizens and law enforcement officials in the fight against crime. The event will take place 5-8 p.m. on the North Campus Diag.

“National Night Out provides an excellent opportunity for citizens and law enforcement officials to band together against crime,” said Leo J. Heatley, director of the U-M Department of Public Safety (DPS). “These partnerships are powerful tools in the fight for a safer America.”

Representatives from most area law enforcement agencies, including the mounted Metro Parks police patrol, Ann Arbor Police Department, Michigan State Police, Ypsilanti Police, Saline Police and the U-M DPS, will be on hand to answer questions and share information about their services. The Ann Arbor Fire Department plans to use a smokehouse to teach fire safety, and Huron Valley Ambulance will have an emergency vehicle on display. Entertainment will include performances by the band Channel 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., a magician and the Hellenic Student Dancers. Children can meet McGruff the Crime Prevention Dog, Koko the Clown and Larry and Vince, the crash test dummies. Other activities for children, including face painting and the McGruff coloring contest, are planned.

National Night Out was designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community relations; and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The local event is sponsored by the U-M’s Department of Public Safety, Family Housing, Student Affairs and the North Campus Commons.

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Related Links:

• Ann Arbor Police Department
• Family Housing