Kent's 2012 National Night Out event receives national recognition

The Kent Police Department has received local and national recognition for its participation and outreach during this year's National Night Out event.

Kent's Aug. 7 program ranked 10th in the nation among cities with a population of 100,000 to 299,000, and was the only city in the group to be recognized from the Pacific Northwest.

This was the 29th year for the international event that uses social gatherings to promote greater community awareness to issues of crime prevention and public safety. In Kent, the 2012 program made use of 90 plus dignitaries, government officials and special guests to visit a record 120 hosted events in neighborhoods throughout the city.

Retail giant Target also provided support and assistance for the events.

Evaluation of National Night Out events is conducted by the National Association of Town Watch. Following each year's events, communities submit a comprehensive review and award application to be considered for recognition.

The Kent Police Department maintains a program and has been regularly recognized for excellence as reflected by the upward progression in number of events, number of participants and overall program success from year to year.

The 2013 National Night Out is scheduled for Aug. 16. Event registration begins in June.

For more information on the program and for a complete list of award winners, visit www.natw.org.

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