Neighborhoods across Albuquerque will host block parties, picnics, potlucks and other community gatherings on Tuesday. It is part of National Night Out, an annual event aimed at strengthening relationships between residents and law enforcement.
Events are held at parks, churches, community centers and the Highland Theater. Organizers have also planned school supply drives, ice cream socials in Nob Hill and similar family-friendly activities.
This year, the Albuquerque Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit is the main sponsor. Officers will meet with residents across the city to discuss public safety and build community connections.
Senior crime prevention specialist Laura Kuehn said National Night Out seeks to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve. “It’s a good opportunity to connect with the people we live with,” Kuehn said.
The event started in 1984. It was designed as a community-building campaign to strengthen partnerships between neighborhoods and law enforcement. Since then, it has grown to more than 16,000 communities nationwide and reached over 38 million participants last year.
The complete schedule of Albuquerque events is available on the city’s website.
National Night Out events are also scheduled in Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas and other communities across the state.
