Join National Night Out on October 7th San Marcos residents are invited to participate in the 2014 National Night Out (NNO) on Tuesday, Oct. 7, by visiting with neighbors, police officers, EMS personnel, firefighters, and City officials to advance crime prevention in the community. Neighborhoods that are interested in participating in National Night Out should contact Corporal Scott Johnson at 512.754.2271 or use the registration links at www.sanmarcostx.gov/nno by Sept. 23, 2014. During National Night Out, neighborhoods host porch-sitting and "lights on" areas and sponsor special events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from law enforcement, rallies and marches. "Crimes are solved three ways: By officers observing a crime in progress, through physical evidence, and by receiving tips from citizens," said San Marcos Police Chief Chase Stapp. "By far, the most reliable of these are the tips from citizens. National Night Out gives us the opportunity to get to know the citizens we serve better and meet them in their neighborhood. It also opens the lines of communication between citizens and our department." This year, the San Marcos Police Department is teaming up with the Hays County Sheriff's Office to bring the event to communities throughout the county. Local agencies and businesses will host activities at a kickoff event on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the parking lot of Target, 700 Barnes Drive, including a static display of the San Marcos/Hays County SWAT team's search and rescue vehicle, firearms simulators, a climbing wall, bounce castles, and prizes for the kids. The nationwide program is a popular and effective vehicle for heightening awareness of crime prevention strategies, enhancing police-community relations, and bolstering volunteer morale. During past NNO events, participants have included Hills of Hays, The Wellington, Mariposa Apartment Homes, Stone Brook, Willow Creek, CM Allen Homes, Blanco Vista, Chapultepec Homes, Allenwood Homes, Savannah Club, Oak Heights, Ridgeway, Hughson Heights, Harper Street/River Road, Sierra Circle, Castle Forest, Franklin Square, Pearce Court, Springtown Villas, Victory Gardens, Country Oaks Apartments, Westover Mobile Home Park, Mockingbird & Pulte Subdivision, Blanco River Village, and Purgatory Creek Apartments.