The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office will again participate in the National Night Out Against Crime, Tuesday, August 5, at the Asbury United Methodist Church on Hewitt Street. The evening will be full of family-oriented fun, food, and fellowship. This year Night Out has been moved to a central location for the convenience of all Bradley County citizens who want to attend.  

The local event is one of several thousand Night Out sites throughout the United States and around the world that last year attracted an estimated 35 million people.

This year the sheriff’s office is teaming with residents of Dockery Subdivision to hold a countywide event and everyone is invited.

In year’s past residents of Dockery Subdivision got together for a Block Party on 35th Street. This year they are moving to the church’s air-conditioned building. Constable Ira Cox, who helped organize Dockery events over the last 12 years, said people who are planning to attend are asked to bring a covered dish.

Sheriff Tim Gobble said the Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), the Mobile Command Post and patrol cars will be on display for the public to see.

The APC was acquired from the federal government at no cost to local taxpayers. It is one of several military vehicles reportedly seized from former Panamanian Dictator Manuel Noriega. It is specially equipped for the SWAT team’s use in both hostage and victim rescues in the event of an armed confrontation.

The mobile command post is an "office on wheels" and is fully equipped to meet the needs of the command staff in the event of a major crime or hostage situation. It was acquired from proceeds of the drug fund, which is derived from drug case fines and forfeitures.

Sheriff Gobble said Night Out follows the department’s recent "All Hands on Deck Day" as another way of bringing law enforcement to the people. On a Saturday supervisors with the rank of lieutenant and above spent the day answering calls, backing up deputies, and meeting with people throughout the county.

"All Hands on Deck Day was a tremendous success. I encourage anyone who has a law enforcement concern to be at Night Out on Tuesday so they can pass those concerns on to me or one of my deputies," said the sheriff.

National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, is an event that brings law enforcement down to the local level. Now in its 25th year, NNO activities highlight the many partnerships that unite law enforcement and people in the communities they serve to fight crime and drug use. It is the largest event of its kind.

Cox pointed out that having the event indoors is better for the elderly because many have been unable to attend in the past because of the unbearable heat and humidity. The site is inside and is air-conditioned.

Cox said door prizes would be awarded during the program, that is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

According to the National Association of Town Watch, the primary goals of NNO are:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Asbury United Methodist Church is located just off Dockery Street in the Dockery Subdivision.