Pocono News Section

Night Out Against Crime in Scranton

Night Out Against Crime in Scranton - Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 5:00PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Sep 15, 2009 @ 05:00pm EDT
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- The city of Scranton held its annual Public Safety Night Out Against Crime. It kicked off with a parade from the John Marshall School to the Tripp Park complex.

After months of planning the tents went up Tuesday afternoon at Tripp Park in Scranton. ItÕs where police officers and community members are getting a chance to interact in a fun, safe environment.

Scranton Police Lt. Leonard Namiotka said, ÒOften you just see in the news people making arrests and drug dealers or so forth being arrested, but tonight's a night about the police department giving back."

Namiotka organizes the event every year. Hundreds turn out. From free food to gun lock giveaways to K-9 demonstrations, there's something for everyone.

ÒWe hope everybody comes out, like at National Night Out events. We'd like to have everyone turn their lights on, their porch lights on, to show they're fighting against crime," he said.

There's free food for the public and also a chance to win prizes with a Chinese auction. All of the money raised will go right back into the community.

ÒIt goes back into the community. We do community events, like putting cameras up, graffiti removal and our Police Athletic League," said Namiotka.

The night wraps up with a fireworks display around 9:00 P. M.