BRIDGEPORT — The Chicago Police Department's "National Night Out" is coming soon to the Southwest Side Deering District, and organizers hope residents turn out in a show of force.
The free event takes place 5:30-8 p.m. on Aug. 5 at the Chicago Police Department's Deering District headquarters at 3120 S. Halsted St.
The police district, also known as the Ninth District, encompasses Bridgeport, McKinley Park, Back of the Yards, Canaryville, Chinatown and Back of the Yards.
The event is not just about the food, music, kids games and face-painting, though there will be plenty of that.
Now in its 31st year, the event is part of a larger effort across the country that aims to highlight the role that community partnerships play in fighting crime and neighborhood blight. It's a project of the National Association of Town Watch, a nonprofit that promotes crime prevention programs.
On the Southwest Side, organizers say they hope the summertime public get-together sends a message to the those responsible for graffiti, shootings and other issues that sometimes surface in the neighborhoods.
The event is billed as an evening of "partnership building, information sharing and entertainment.
"While one night is not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out represents the kind of spirit, energy and determination to help make neighborhoods a safer place year round," organizers said in a statement.
The event is co-hosted by the volunteer facilitators of CAPS meetings, the Bridgeport Citizens Group, the McGuane Park Advisory Council, local elected officials, the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council and Target.
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