Join Mayor John Bencivengo and Chief of Police James W. Collins as the community of Hamilton Township stands up against criminal activity and drug use.

On Tuesday, August 2, Bencivengo and Collins cordially invite neighborhoods throughout Hamilton to join thousands of communities nationwide for the “28th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event at the Hamilton Police Headquarters, 1270 Whitehorse Ave., from 5 to 7 p.m.

National Night Out 2011, themed “Grill and Chill Crime,” will involve over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 36 million people are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime” on August 2.

“A showing of solidarity between Hamilton’s residents and our Police Division against crime and drug use tells the bad guys loud and clear that they aren’t wanted in our town and we won’t tolerate it any longer,” Bencivengo said.

National Night Out is designed to:
Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts
Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
Send a message to criminals by letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back

On August 2, residents in neighborhoods throughout Hamilton and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with their neighbors in a show of solidarity and as an exhibit of community support against crime and illegal drug activity during our nation-wide National Night Out event.

During the event, residents can view displays from various units within the Hamilton Police Division, including an interactive SWAT Team display, DARE/GREAT officers, Officer Friendly representatives, children’s fingerprinting, Crime Prevention/Neighborhood Watch, Crime Scene Investigators, Emergency Response Team and the Traffic Unit. Representatives from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Canine Unit and Programs Unit, the Hamilton Township Animal Control Unit, Mercer County Prosecutors Office, Colonial Fire Company and Nottingham Ambulance Squad are also scheduled to attend.

“National Night Out is a great opportunity for all Hamilton residents to interact firsthand with not only Hamilton Police Division personnel, but with other first responders from Hamilton and Mercer County,” Collins said. “National Night Out is a wonderful way to build good relationships with the residents we serve every day. Without the trust of the residents and their help in reporting suspicious activity and crime, the bad guys win.”

In addition to the informational displays, the first 200 attendees will receive a complimentary hot dog and ice cream. Parking is available on the Municipal Court side of the building.

For more information, contact Detective Steve Fabian at (609) 581-4034 or e-mail at sfabian@hamiltonpd.org.