Washington Division Participates in National Night Out Events in Washington, D.C.
AUG 16--Washington Division Participates in National Night Out Events in Washington, D.C.
National Night Out is an annual event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watches. Community members rally with law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses and neighborhood organizations at events throughout the District of Columbia. The purpose of National Night Out is to:
- Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
- Generate support for and participation in local anticrime programs;
- Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships;
- Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division, Laura M. Nagel, was the keynote speaker at the kickoff event of D.C.'s National Night Out on August 3, 2004. The kickoff event for D.C.'s activities took place in the Naylor Gardens community in Northeast Washington at 5 PM. Other guests included the master of ceremonies Chief Charles Ramsey of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, U.S. Attorney Kenneth Wainstein, and others.
The second event attended by personnel from the Washington Division was a block party in Brandywine Park in Southeast Washington. Many community leaders and neighbors attended the festive block party which featured MPD officers grilling hotdogs and hamburgers.
