CORSICANA TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

On Aug. 5, neighborhoods throughout Corsicana are being invited to
join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 20th
annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event. National
Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town
Watch and co-sponsored by the Corsicana Police Department, will
involve over 9,600 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories,
Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all over 32
million people are expected to participate in America's Night Out
Against Crime on Aug. 5. NNO 2003 is being supported in part by the
U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.

National Night Out is designed to: Heighten crime and drug prevention
awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local
anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and
police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting
them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

From 7 to 10 p.m. Aug. 5, residents in neighborhoods throughout
Corsicana and across the nation, are asked to lock their doors, turn
on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and
police. Many neighborhoods throughout Corsicana will be hosting block
parties which include cookouts, and visits from police.

"National Night Out is an extraordinary way to build neighborhood
unity and strengthen police-community partnerships," said national
project coordinator Matt Peskin. "Neighbors meet neighbors, and
citizens and local law enforcement have the opportunity to enhance
their relationships. On Aug. 5, we invite neighborhoods nationwide to
join forces with us to 'Give Crime and Drugs A Going Away Party.'"

The Corsicana Police Department will be hosting a NNO program at the
Corsicana Public Library from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Free hot dogs and soft
drinks will be served. The Corsicana Police Department will have their
specialized units on display, along with the Corsicana Fire Department
and Department of Public Safety.

If you are interested in having a block party in your neighborhood or
have any questions about the event please call the College Park Mall
substation at (903)654-4901, or Southpark substation at (903) 654-4909.