Attorney General Kwame Raoul is calling on Illinoisans from every corner to step outside and take a stand against crime during the annual National Night Out. As the nation prepares to engage in this community-building event, Raoul underscored the importance of fostering bonds between local law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve. "Working together to build stronger communities helps build safer communities," Raoul emphasized in a statement obtained by the Illinois Attorney General's office.
Set against the backdrop of summer's twilight, National Night Out aims to show unity against crime. To strengthen community spirit, block parties, festivals, parades, and cookouts will be held simultaneously with various exhibits, youth events, and safety demonstrations. The second Tuesday in August has been slated since 1984 for this kind of solidarity, and this year, the tradition continues, as per the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. Attorney General Raoul called for an increased number of volunteers from his office to actively partake in the event and as a result, Illinois will witness staff hosting informational booths at 34 National Night Out events across the state.
The block parties and neighborhood gatherings serve as more than just a casual meet and greet. They represent a collective effort to openly discuss and tackle the critical issue of safety in communities. Residents looking to connect with their local protectors can find the nearest National Night Out event by checking resources provided by their local police department's calendar of events, official website, or social media pages. With 177 cities in Illinois hosting events, as listed on the National Night Out website, opportunities to get involved are manifold.
Aiming to facilitate a statewide embrace of the occasion, the Attorney General's office announced that Chicago, Rockford, Arlington Heights, East St. Louis, and Elmwood Park are just a few of the cities where their staff will be present. The hope is to not only promote peace but to educate and empower individuals on how to contribute actively to the safety and well-being of their locales. "Preventing crime in Illinois is one of my office’s top priorities," Raoul affirmed, as reported by the Illinois Attorney General's office. The Attorney General wholeheartedly urges "everyone to locate an event in their own community."
