Torres, Rutherford Introduce Bipartisan Resolution in Recognition of National Night Out
ONTARIO, CA – U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (D-CA) and John Rutherford (R-FL) have introduced H.Res.1040, a bipartisan resolution recognizing Tuesday, August 7, 2018 as National Night Out. National Night Out is an annual, nationwide event that promotes neighborhood camaraderie and community-police partnerships.
"Every year, National Night Out offers neighbors and law enforcement an opportunity to come together and foster trust and a greater sense of community," said Torres. "We all have a duty to stay engaged and look out for one another. As a former member of my neighborhood watch, I've seen firsthand how National Night Out promotes cooperation between residents and the police, and in turn, builds stronger, safer communities."
"For the last 35 years, National Night Out has successfully helped build a sense of trust between our local law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve," said Rutherford. "As a career law enforcement officer myself, I know just how important this is to keeping our neighborhoods safe. When I was sheriff for more than a decade in my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, I made engaging the community a top priority for my officers. When our neighbors and our law enforcement officers build personal, trusting relationships, it creates strong, safe communities for everyone. I'm proud to support the mission of National Night Out and thank those who work to make it happen each and every year."
During National Night Out, neighborhoods across the country join their local law enforcement agencies to host block parties, festivals, cookouts, and other community events along with demonstrations by emergency personnel, seminars, and exhibits.
In addition to getting to know their local law enforcement officers and taking part in their own neighborhood watch groups, constituents are encouraged to consider the following helpful tips to help prevent crime and promote safer neighborhoods:
- Lighting is one of the most important crime deterrents. Consider installing lights on a timer to give would-be thieves the impression that people are home.
- Follow your instincts. If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store, restaurant, lit house, or more populated area.
- Make sure your family, especially children, know when and how to dial 9-1-1.
- Help your child memorize their own address and phone number.
- Look up your local police and emergency services departments and keep important phone numbers in an easily accessible location.
- Only use 9-1-1 is cases of emergency. Direct non-emergency calls to 3-1-1 or the appropriate non-emergency number in your community to help keep 9-1-1 lines open for true emergencies and life-threatening situations.
Prior to serving in Congress, Torres spent more than 17 years working as a 9-1-1 dispatcher and Rutherford spent 41 years in law enforcement, 12 of which he served as Sheriff of Duval County, Florida.