National Night Out offers community a glimpse into Windham law enforcement

By Ed Pierce

After being unable to host its National Night Out event last year because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, members of the Windham Police Department are ready to resume the popular community gathering next week. 

Held annually on the first Tuesday evening in August, National Night Out is an opportunity for the residents of Windham to meet with local law enforcement and public safety personnel in a casual setting and learning more about the important work that they’re doing protecting the town.

This year’s event in Windham is scheduled to be conducted from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3 in the parking lot of Windham High School at 406 Gray Road in Windham. National Night Out is open to the public and will include food, and an array of fun activities for the entire family.

Representatives of the Windham Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Windham Fire Department and Windham Parks and Recreation will be on hand and participants will be able to view police and fire equipment and vehicles up close.

The original National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide organization dedicated to the development, maintenance, and protection of community-based, law enforcement-affiliated crime prevention activities.

Through the years, National Night Out has developed into an effective crime prevention program that emphasizes building a partnership between the police and the community.

Windham Police say that community involvement in crime prevention is generated through a multitude of local activities and National Night Out events help bring prominent attention to crime prevention programs offered by police and disseminating information about successful strategies used by law enforcement agencies for thwarting crime in the town.

Along with grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone, there will be active demonstrations at the National Night Out event by a Windham Police K-9 dog and handler, drone flights, and specialized equipment and law enforcement programs.

All National Night Out activities are entirely free and generate a true sense of community under positive circumstances.

For more information about National Night Out, call 892-2525. <