NIGHT JOINS NEIGHBORS TOGETHER TO STOP CRIME

NEW BEDFORD -- There's a party in New Bedford tomorrow, and the whole city
is invited.

National Night Out, an annual event held to strengthen community spirit and
raise awareness about crime, will be held at 5 p.m. at Alfred J. Gomes School.

"It's a night out against crime, where neighbors come together to celebrate
the partnership between the police and the community partnerships," said
Carl Alves, executive director of the New Bedford Prevention Partnership
and an organizer of the event.

Night Out, in its ninth year in New Bedford, was designed to highlight the
prevention of crime and drug abuse, generate support for and participation
in anti-crime efforts, and let criminals know that neighborhoods are
fighting back.

National Night Out will involve more than 9,600 communities from all 50
states. More than 32 million people are expected to participate.

From 5 to 9 p.m. tomorrow, New Bedford residents are asked to lock their
doors, turn on their outside lights and spend time with neighbors at the
school.

"It's a chance to say thank you to police and law enforcement and for
families to have fun," Mr. Alves said.

The event is free. Domino's Pizza will provide food; Cool Licks will give
away sandwiches and ice cream.

At 6:30 p.m., there will be a parade of law enforcement vehicles and
classic automobiles. Everyone will then return to the school for food and
ice cream, he said.

He said carnival games, including a moon-walk, will run throughout the
evening. There also will be K-9 demonstrations.

The state police will bring a helicopter, weather permitting, and the
National Guard will provide a rock-climbing wall, he said.

He said human service organizations will set up tables for people to sign
up for programs.

The national event is put on locally by the New Bedford Prevention
Partnership and Neighborhoods United.

The mayor's office, New Bedford Housing Authority, the District Attorney's
Office and the New Bedford Police Department also are sponsors.

"It's a community event. Get to know your neighbors, have some free food
and fun, and maybe learn something new," Mr. Alves said.