Police Chief John Neal speaks with residents during last year’s Ridgeland’s Night Out event. The City of Ridgeland will host its sixth annual Ridgeland Neighbors Night Out on Thursday, Oct. 20. This event allows residents to become better acquainted with each other and with local authorities, enhancing crime prevention efforts in the community. This event is Ridgeland’s local version of National Night Out held annually in August. Traditionally, neighbors turn their front porch lights on and gather in front yards to show a solidarity against crime. Many Ridgeland neighborhoods have chosen to have a cookout or a covered dish block party. Some neighborhoods plan to have the event catered and include drawings for prizes. Police officers, firefighters and elected city officials will visit the various night out events around Ridgeland. Having some “face time” with public safety officers gives residents a chance to ask questions in person, and it gives the officers the opportunity to have direct contact with residents under the friendliest of circumstances. “Relationships that are established during the event result in improved communication between citizens and officers. Better communication can assist us in combatting crime and provide opportunities for crime prevention education,” said Ridgeland Police Chief John Neal. “Most importantly, neighbors have reported getting to know each other better during the course of the event. When neighbors know each other’s habits, then they can recognize when something suspicious is going on. We want to encourage as many neighborhoods as possible to plan an event and let us know about it,” said Neal. New this year, SR1, a nonprofit scientific research organization, will be hosting an event at their offices located at 369 Towne Center Blvd. SR1’s event will focus on creating drug-free communities including educating attendees about prescription drug abuse. “Residents and neighborhoods are invited to personalize their event to fit their group,” said Mike Raffield, Communications Supervisor and Crime Prevention Specialist with the Ridgeland Police Department. “We do encourage business and organization participation as well. Just be sure to let us know your plans so we can stop by.” Ridgeland citizens or businesses who are interested in hosting an event or already have an event planned, please contact Mike Raffield at mike.raffield@ridgelandms.org or 601-856-2121.
