The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit will be hosting a National Night Out Kickoff Rally on Aug 02, 2011. National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. National Night Out is an event where neighbors turn on their outside security lights to promote the use of outdoor lighting and to spend the evening getting to know each other.  Many neighborhoods have block parties or small gatherings to get to know one another.

     The Sheriff’s Office National Night Out Kickoff Rally will be held at the front entrance to its Forensic and Technology Building located at 1285 Highway 15 North (old jail site). Some of the highlights of this event will include: Sheriff’s Office Exhibit and Display, Car Seat Installation Demonstrations, Back to School Supplies Giveaway, Crime Prevention Educational Tips, and a Meet and Greet with McGruff the Crime Dog. This event will also give potential Community groups an opportunity to gain information on how to get their programs started and successfully keep them functioning. In addition, Drawings will be held for various prizes during the event.

     The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to participate and partnership with us to prevent crime within Sumter County. If you would like to pre-register a new Crime Watch group or would like more information, please contact our Crime Prevention Unit by phone at (803) 774-3868 or (803) 774-6146, or via email.

     This event will be held from 5pm-7pm. At the conclusion of the event McGruff the Crime Dog will be visiting numerous Neighborhood and Crime Watch Communities. We look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate America’s Night out against Crime.