It’s a crime fighting technique that’s stood the test of time: protecting one’s neighborhood by chumming up to the cops on the beat.
Dozens of stout-hearted residents did just that on Aug. 3 as they participated in the 63rd Precinct’s annual National Night Out Against Crime.
Gathering at the Georgetowne Shopping Center parking lot on Ralph Avenue between Avenues K and L in Mill Basin, residents from Marine Park to Bergen Beach and from Mill Island to Flatlands spent the evening gorging on barbecued goodies and playing games with neighborhood protectors.
Adults in attendance received a host of crime prevention lessons while Capt. Michael Deddo, the commanding officer of the 63rd Precinct, gave kids something closer to their hearts — tips on bicycle safety. A self-defense demonstration by students from Mill Basin’s Shotokan Karate Center helped kick up the “take back the night” theme as well, organizers said.
For the last 27 years, cops and the residents they’ve protected have joined together on the first Tuesday in August to heighten awareness of crime and drugs in their communities and learn about local anti-crime programs.
But the message changed as crime dipped in the city. Today, these parties acknowledging improved police and community relations.
Yet to Capt. Deddo, creating stronger links between those with police shields and those who need to be shielded from unlawful ne’er-do-wells is just another form of crime prevention.
“If a community is comfortable with the police and there are positive exchanges, then they are taking back the streets,” Deddo said. “Whether you march in the street or stand in the support of the police, you accomplish the same goal.”
National Night Out is organized by the National Association of Town Watch. Over 36 million people participated in National Night Out celebrations across the country, Canada and military bases worldwide in 2009, organizers said.
