This week, the Arlington Police Department was awarded 4^th place in the national rankings for 2014 National Night Out festivities hosted throughout the city. This is the highest ranking of any city in the North Texas region, and an improvement over last year's standings. For the past two years, Arlington has finished 5^th in National Night Out standings for large cities with populations greater than 300,000. Arlington's National Night Out events were held on October 7, 2014.

Arlington residents held more than 190 National Night Out parties this year in neighborhoods across the city. These are parties coordinated by residents in an effort to get to know their neighbors and forge strong relationships with police. They turned on porch lights, stepped outside and enjoyed a nice evening with the people who live in our community. Arlington police officers, firefighters, other city employees and elected officials attended many of the parties to interact with residents. A neighborhood where residents know one another and keep a vigilant eye on their block lead to a safer community.

"Arlington has a long history of working closely with all segments of our community, making it easier to hear their needs, address concerns and work proactively with residents and business to make Arlington a great community," said Arlington Police Chief Will D. Johnson.

For more information about Arlington's historical standings with National Night Out or to speak with the APD National Night Out organizers, contact Tiara Richard.

National Night Out, which has been around for 31 years, is designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships. National Night Out was created by the National Association of Town Watch. Since 1984, this event has grown to involve over 37 million people in more than 15,000 communities. Across the nation, National Night Out is observed on the first Tuesday in August. Because of the heat, Texas and other states impacted by hot weather observe National Night Out on the first Tuesday in October.