Annual Nationwide Campaign Works to Improve Public Safety and Build Lasting Relationships Between Communities and Law Enforcement
The Governor’s Coordinating Offices this evening attended events for National Night Out, the annual nationwide campaign that works to improve public safety by building lasting relationships between communities and law enforcement. Representatives attended five different events in locations across central Maryland.
“The Governor’s Coordinating Offices represent seven distinct and diverse service missions, all of which involve connecting Marylanders to resources,” said Governor’s Coordinating Offices Senior Executive Director Patrick J. Lally. “As public safety and community empowerment affect all issue areas, National Night Out is an essential opportunity for us to show our support.”
According to their website, National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. Across the U.S., millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities by hosting block parties, cookouts, youth events, and more.
Representatives from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services attended National Night Out events in Columbia, Annapolis, Olney, Shady Side, and Frederick to share 
information about resources available for youth, families, victims of crime, and crime prevention. Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services Executive Director Kunle Adeyemo presented a governor’s citation to Howard County Police Chief Gregory Dur.
“National Night Out is about crime prevention and building community—the number one way that we prevent crime is by building strong relationships within our community,” said Adeyemo. “We’re here tonight to reinforce that strong community is at the core of our efforts toward building a safer Maryland.”
Representatives from the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives attended the National Night Out Event at the Lula G. Scott Community Center in Shady Side. Governor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and South Asian American Affairs Administrative Director Christina Poy presented a governor’s citation to South Asian American Affairs Commissioner Mohan Grover to commend community leaders for organizing the event.
“Engagement is the heart and soul of our mission, whether it’s between citizens and the governor or between citizens and law enforcement,” said Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives Steven J. McAdams. “Unity is the most compelling force to make positive change—there is nothing we can’t achieve through the power of community.”