August 5, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), Rules Committee Ranking Republican, recently voiced his support for National Night Out efforts, a program designed to focus attention on neighborhood crime prevention and community policing.  H.Res. 1324, a resolution calling on the President to focus attention on these efforts and coordinate certain Federal efforts to participate in National Night Out events, was approved by the House with unanimous support.

“National Night Out is a terrific program that brings communities together,” Dreier said.  “I have been proud to participate in these events in the past and know that many are scheduled around our area in the coming days.  Crime prevention starts at home and every citizen can make a difference.”

National Night Out (NNO) will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with events across the country.  According to the NNO web site, the events are designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Dreier said recent gang activity in the San Gabriel Valley emphasizes the need for community-based efforts to combat crime in local neighborhoods.  “Public safety is a top priority for all of us at every level of government.  But the reality is, every neighborhood faces a unique set of challenges.  National Night Out gives every community the opportunity to highlight their needs and their accomplishments in combating crime.”

Congressman Dreier will be participating in the San Dimas National Night Out Event tonight, August 5, 2008 at 5 p.m.  The San Dimas event begins at the San Dimas Police Sheriff’s Station.  For more information on local NNO events, please visit http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/