Attorney General Kwame Raoul is urging Illinois residents to take part in National Night Out events on the second Tuesday of August to help build stronger and safer communities. National Night Out, established in 1984, is an annual community-building campaign that aims to enhance police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. These events typically feature block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, and exhibits.
Raoul emphasized the importance of these events in fostering trust and relationships between law enforcement and community members. “Working together to build stronger communities helps build safer communities. National Night Out was started to bring neighbors and law enforcement together to establish relationships and trust that will do just that,” Raoul said. He highlighted that preventing crime in Illinois is a top priority for his office, and he is proud of the increased number of volunteers from his office participating in this year's events.
Staff from the Attorney General’s office will attend 34 National Night Out events across the state, providing informational tables that highlight the office’s resources. Some of the cities where these events will be held include Arlington Heights, Chicago, East St. Louis, Elmwood Park, and Rockford.
Illinois residents are encouraged to find an event in their community by checking their local police department’s calendar of events, website, or social media pages. This year, 177 cities in Illinois are listed on the National Night Out website. Raoul’s call to action underscores the significance of community engagement in creating safer environments for everyone.
