United States Drug Enforcement Administration

WASHINGTON, D.C., – The DEA Washington Division will join community organizers, neighbors, and law enforcement partners to participate in National Night Out events this evening, August 3. During this year’s National Night Out, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Jarod Forget and Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Michael Rothermund will attend community events in the Washington D.C. and Prince George’s County, Maryland area with D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, ATF Washington, District Heights Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, and more.

“Getting out in the community, speaking to our neighbors, and participating in events like this is one of the best ways we can form relationships and keep area families safe,” said SAC Forget. “Law enforcement is most effective when it has trusting and supportive relationships with the communities it serves. Events like this help us bridge that gap and get to know those we’re out here serving in a fun and enjoyable way.”

National Night Out is a community-building and violent crime prevention program that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice.

During National Night Out, community involvement in violent crime and drug prevention is generated through a variety of local events that help strengthen neighborhood spirit and unity, such as block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.

This year, National Night Out organizers are expecting over 16,000 communities and millions of people from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide to take part in community events. This year’s events will take place on Tuesday, August 3rd from 5 pm to 8 pm in most areas of the country.

DEA Washington Division staff members are participating in community events located across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. For more information, follow DEA Washington on Twitter @DEAWashingtonDC for location sites and details for this and other events.

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