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Attend National Night Out on Aug. 2

Duke Police to hold a community event with food, music and safety information

Eric Hester, a crime prevention specialist with Duke Police, meets with alumni of the Duke Citizens' Police Academy to plan the 2016 National Night Out community event on Central Campus. Photo by April Dudash
Eric Hester, a crime prevention specialist with Duke Police, meets with alumni of the Duke Citizens' Police Academy to plan the 2016 National Night Out community event on Central Campus. Photo by April Dudash
By April Dudash

Updated Aug. 2, 2:12 p.m.: The location of National Night Out has been moved to the Devil's Den on Central Campus due to the potential for thunderstorms. The event will still start at 5:30 p.m.

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Try out a fire extinguisher, learn about pedestrian safety and enjoy a cookout while meeting members of the Duke University Police Department during National Night Out.

On Aug. 2, community-building events will take place across the country, including at Mill Village on Central Campus, to encourage police-neighborhood partnerships. The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is open to Duke staff, faculty, students and family members.

“National Night Out is a way to bring everyone together who has a stake in safety at Duke, to include students and employees,” said Duke Chief of Police John Dailey.  “We hope everyone will join us for an evening of fun, food, and crime prevention demonstrations and information, and also get the chance to meet Duke Police officers.”

There will be free hot dogs, snacks and soft drinks, and a live band, PartyLine, will play; Duke Police community service officer Daryl Mount is a member of the band and plays drums. Duke Police will also debut its new pedestrian safety campaign, “Yield to Blue Devils,” which asks Duke community members to take a pledge to obey traffic laws and help keep roads and crosswalks safe.

Other National Night Out activities and special guests include:

  • Mr. Rainbow the Clown, who will make balloon animals
  • An alumni reunion of the Citizens’ Police Academy, a 6-week course that teaches Duke community members about the role and responsibilities of the Duke University Police Department
  • The chance to wear “beer goggles” while driving a golf cart, which simulates the effects of drinking and driving
  • The chance to take pictures with a Duke Police patrol car

“National Night Out is just a great way for people to meet police officers who not only want to protect and serve but also make a positive difference for those we serve,” said Eric Hester, a crime prevention specialist with Duke Police.

Attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs. Parking will be available and free after 5 p.m. in the H Lot along Anderson Street, across from Mill Village. Parking will also be available, but limited, on Central Campus.

In the event of rain, the event will be moved to the Devil’s Den near Central Campus.