Residents invited ‘out’

Las Vegas Valley police departments want to help residents say hello to their neighbors and goodbye to crime as they celebrate the 24th annual National Night Out tonight.

Residents and police are hosting events across the valley in an effort to heighten awareness and unify communities against crime, said Las Vegas police Officer Fred Hass.

The goal is for residents to get to know their neighbors so that after tonight they will be more likely to recognize anyone who seems out of place in their neighborhood.

Las Vegas police also will unveil a surveillance camera system at the intersection of Fremont and 15th streets. Police will test the surveillance cameras there for three months to see if they help police reduce crimes like drug dealings, robberies and prostitution.

The cameras, which were generally supported by people living in the area, were criticized by the American Civil Liberties of Nevada as a possible invasion of privacy.

In North Las Vegas, the Police Department will host an event at the Cheyenne Sports Complex. North Las Vegas Police officer Tim Bedwell said it will be similar to a community fair. Demonstrations by SWAT and K-9 units, along with two live bands, will be among the attractions, and there will also be free hot dogs, chips, drinks and ice cream, Bedwell said.

In Henderson, residents can join their police department at the Galleria at Sunset, for many attractions similar to those at North Las Vegas' event.

Across the United States and Canada more than 35 million people in 11,000 communities are expected to participate in National Night Out.