*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***

Contact:  Officer Joe Okies  #71

                 BPD Public Information Officer

                 (510) 981- 5752  

Berkeley, CA. – (Tuesday August 2, 2005) Tonight residents in the City of Berkeley and the Berkeley Police Department will celebrate the 22^nd Annual National Night Out.  This is part of a nationwide effort to help communities build relationships with their local police department and raise awareness about crime and drug prevention.

Berkeley residents have organized a number of neighborhood events including block parties, cookouts, bar-b-cues, and ice cream socials.  These events are designed to strengthen communities by building connections between residents, police, and other City officials.  National Night Out attendees will have the opportunity to connect with their neighbors and network with city employees.  These gatherings help to improve and maintain Berkeley’s high quality of life standards.  Attendees also send a message to would-be criminals that their neighborhoods are organized and well equipped to address potential criminal activity.

National Night Out is also commemorated by a display of outdoor lights and front porch vigils which symbolize a community’s effort to reclaim the night from criminal activity.

Neighborhood events will begin at approximately 6PM and end at approximately 10PM.  For further details, please contact CSO Patricia Subia at (510) 981-5808 or by email at Psubia@ci.berkeley.ca.us.