Orland Park Police to Host Annual Night Out Against Crime

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Orland Park Police Department has participated in National Night Out Against Crime for more than 25 years. The event was created in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide group that promotes community based crime prevention activities.

On Tuesday, August 2, the Orland Park Police will join law enforcement agencies across the country and host the village's annual National Night Out Celebration at the Orland Park Village Center, 14700 South Ravinia Avenue.

"The first Tuesday in August has been National Night Out in Orland Park for a long, long time," said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin. "Families enjoy coming up to the Village Center to meet the police officers and other emergency personnel and to see all of the equipment and displays."

Orland Park's National Night Out festivities will be held from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Attendees will be able to meet members of Orland Park's bike patrol unit, traffic and motor cycle units, DARE and school resource officers as well as first responders from other agencies. Residents are encouraged to turn on their outside lights at home and attend the event as a statement against crime.

"National Night Out is a great way for kids to talk to police officers in a relaxed comfortable atmosphere unlike an emergency setting," said Trustee Dan Calandriello, chair of the village's Public Safety Committee. "It's always a nice time for everyone."

Orland Park's festivities include face painters and balloon artists. The Carl Sandburg High School Marching Band will perform and more than 20 Orland Park businesses will host booths with give aways, coupons and safety related information.

Pro-Shred of Orland Park will return, offering free shredding for residents with each limited to 100 pounds of documents. Residents are encouraged to shred no longer needed personal documents with their names, addresses and personal information to prevent identity theft.

"We always have a nice turn out for National Night Out and our officers enjoy meeting people and explaining what they do for the community," said Orland Park Police Chief Tim McCarthy. "We invite everyone to the Village Center on August 2 to learn more about the department and the different programs we offer."

Questions about National Night Out may be directed to the non-emergency number for the Orland Park Police Department at 708/349-4111.

PHOTO: Attendees of the Orland Park Police Department National Night Out Celebration meet police personnel and are able to get firsthand views of police vehicles and equipment.