National Night Out puts spotlight on anti-crime partnerships

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — National Night Out is a community-building event where neighbors get a chance to meet each other and talk with law enforcement. It's happening across the country on Tuesday evening.

Part of the goal is to strengthen relationships between police and citizens.  Understandably, a big concern is crime, and one new tool in Fairfax County gives residents a good look at crime trends. It's called a crime dashboard, available through the Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney office.  

Now residents can see all the cases that are being processed.  According to the Commonwealth's Attorney's office, only eight percent of all cases are violent.  

"I'm extremely proud that Fairfax County has remained the safest community of its size — anywhere in the country," Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano said.

NNO is happening all over the country, but in general, community groups help to plan, and invite officers out to the event to meet with neighbors.  

“Even though we are still a very safe county to live in, there's still crime in Fairfax County," said Brown of Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services. "Getting to know your neighbors, know their patterns, or when they’re in need of assistance or when to call the police is very important. Just being able to help your neighbors when they’re in need.”

Sometimes that could mean calling police to check on a window that’s been open. That could be a sign of a break-in.  That's just one possible tip and example.  Check for your neighborhood community watch group to find one near you.