The Jersey City Police Department Will Join Residents in an Effort to Fight for Safer Streets and Communities

JERSEY CITY—Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy and the Jersey City Police Department will host the 29th Annual National Night Out (NNO), a crime prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and Target, NNO’s national sponsor. Events will take place simultaneously, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., today, Aug. 7th, 2012 at Pershing Field, Arlington Park, Audubon Park, and Hamilton Park.

National Night Out encourages neighbors and communities to come together, get acquainted with one another, and have a fun-filled safe night that fosters neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. There will be balloons, refreshments, plenty of entertainment and activities, games, and giveaways in each park. Various community and service organizations will be on hand to provide information to the public.

“Our top priority is to keep our neighborhoods safe,” said Mayor Healy. “Police and residents need to work together to protect the community and form a friendlier environment for the children of Jersey City. Events such as these not only help bring the community closer, but are a great way for residents to familiarize themselves with the police department, and obtain information on city services.”

Mayor Healy will visit National Night Out locations to commend and acknowledge those individuals and groups who are providing invaluable services and resources to their community.

“It is important to recognize outstanding citizens of our city for their civic achievements and dedication to their community,” continued Mayor Healy. “It is their selfless acts that make a positive impact on our City and help us make Jersey City better.”

Mayor Healy has always been a strong proponent of reducing crime and promoting safer streets. Since 2005, Mayor Healy’s Operation Lifesafer, a gun buy-back and amnesty program, has removed more than 1,250 guns from city streets. In conjunction with the Jersey City Police Department, the Mayor created the city’s first Anti-Gang Task Force, as well as the Senior Care Card Program and the Senior Police Academy. Other crime and safety initiatives supported by the Mayor include enforcing the business curfew, increasing the number of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the Urban Enterprise Zones, and putting back police officers on foot and bike patrol.