The men and women of law enforcement have an important job. But when communities get involved, it helps them better protect our neighborhoods, streets and schools.

That’s where National Night Out comes in.

Created in 1983, National Night Out brings neighbors together throughout the country to fight crime. The program heightens awareness of crime prevention and improves relationships between police and the community.

It gives power to the people. It gives them a collective voice. People aren’t just talking about fighting crime; they’re doing something about it.

Tuesday, Aug. 5 marks the 25th anniversary of the national event. On this evening, 34 million people in 10,000 communities nationwide will celebrate National Night Out.

Some of the cities and counties that I represent in Senate District 17 will participate – Lancaster, Palmdale (held tonight beginning at 5:30 p.m.), Victorville, Hesperia and Santa Clarita.

In these neighborhoods, organizers put together barbecues and children’s activities. Costumed characters entertain the kids. Local police officers introduce themselves, putting a face to a badge, and inform the community about their departments’ goals for keeping the community safe. They teach crime prevention ideas, and they talk about the dangers of drugs, and encourage kids to avoid trouble and stay in school.

Citizens, for their part, ask questions and voice their safety concerns to the public servants.

In the process, neighborhood spirit is strengthened and community members have a better understanding of one another. Criminals get the message that neighborhoods are organized and law-abiding citizens are fighting back.

I highly recommend attending a National Night Out event to learn more about fighting crime, creating safe neighborhoods and to get to know your local law enforcement and neighbors better. After all, you have a lot in common: You all want a safe, clean and healthy community.

Remember, the more eyes and ears we have in our neighborhoods helping to assist police, the better chance we have to deter crime.

For more information, visit www.nationaltownwatch.org.

Here is more information about cities participating in National Night Out:

SANTA CLARITA: Held Aug. 5 at the Newhall Community Center. For more information, call (661) 799-5158 or visit: www.scvsheriff.com/search.asp?request=national+night+out&submit=search

PALMDALE: Palmdale will hold its National Night out on Thursday, July 31. Click here for more information: http://www.cityofpalmdale.org/cals/calendar.asp

LANCASTER: Held Aug. 5 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Clear Channel Stadium where the Jet Hawks are playing a home game. Contact Community Safety Supervisor Shelli Henson at (661) 723-6160.

VICTORVILLE: Held Aug. 5 at Doris Davies Park from 6 – 8 p.m. Call Karen Hunt at 760-241-1841.

APPLE VALLEY: Held Aug. 5 from 6- 9 p.m. at the Civic Center Park, 14955 Dale Evans Parkway. Call (760) 240-7400 x7428 for more information.