Beginning at 6 p.m., an estimated 26 block parties are expected to begin in Temple with neighbors stepping out and meeting each other as part of the nationwide program.
According to the National Night Out Web site, the purpose of the program is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partners and send a message to criminals that neighbors are watching out for each other.
Officials from Temple Police Department, Temple Fire and Rescue and the city are expected to be at each of the block parties. Officers will hand out flying discs, toy footballs and pamphlets, as well as talk to residents about crime-fighting tips.
Lt. Rick Ashe of the Temple Police Department said the program in Temple has grown, with just 13 block parties held last year.
Residents in blocks without planned parties are encouraged to turn on their porch lights, lock their doors and walk around the block meeting and greeting their neighbors.
Begun in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch, a non-profit crime prevention organization, National Night Out is held on the first Tuesday in August. Currently, according to the Web site, 34 million people in more than 10,000 communities in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide participate.
