UTSA National Night Out increases awareness of crime-prevention programs

(Oct. 1, 2012) -- The UTSA Police Department will host National Night Out, an event to increase awareness of crime prevention programs, from 6 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 2 at the University Center paseo on the UTSA Main Campus. The event is free and open to the public and will include snacks, beverages, information tables and activities.

Hosted by the UTSA Police Department, UTSA Student Activities and Target stores, in collaboration with many other university departments, this marks the third annual event at UTSA. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out is an annual neighborhood crime and drug prevention event involving citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, neighborhood organizations and local officials from more than 15,000 communities from all 50 states.

In addition to increasing awareness of crime prevention programs, the event strives to strengthen neighborhood pride and community-police partnerships, while sending a message to criminals that "neighborhoods and communities are organized, working with police and fighting back against crime."

"UTSA is an example of a community that works together in fostering a partnership with its police department in conjunction with the campus community members," said UTSA Police Chief Steve Barrera. "Together, these partnerships can make measurable strides in combating crime and maintaining a quality of life conducive to achieving academic success."

This year's UTSA campus sponsors and partners include ARAMARK; Campus Living Villages; Counseling Services; Office of Emergency Management; Office of Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management; Frost Bank; Rowdy New U; Student Activities; and Housing and Residence Life.

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Event activities

• UTSA Crime Prevention Unit will provide Operation Identification services (engraving personal property), take-home Child Identification Kits and literature on programs such as Neighborhood Crime Watch and Safety Whistle Program.
• Information tables by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), National Weather Service and others
• Live music by PARALLAX and Celestial Descent
• Rowdy the UTSA mascot, UTSA dancers and cheerleaders
• UTSA coaches and student athletes
• San Antonio Police Department helicopter unit fly-over
• San Antonio Fire Department trucks on display
• Self-defense demonstrations
• UTSA Police Department patrol vehicles, motorcycles and bike patrol officers
• Giveaways from Target, Sam's Club, Frost Bank, University Bookstores and UTSA Athletics