Police officers cannot be everywhere. One of the biggest weapons that law enforcement has in the community is an active citizenry. That is the main reason behind the 29th annual National Night Out events that will take place on Aug. 7 in Kirkland and around the country.

“The event is to make an impression on criminals as far as neighborhoods taking a stand against crime,” said Kirkland Neighborhood Resource Officer Audra Weber.

National Night Out is a nationwide campaign aimed at involving communities in crime and drug prevention awareness.

Activities that neighborhoods may want to host include cookouts, flashlight walks or contests. Weber said that the events work as an opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other.

“Being able to have contact with your neighbors is good,” said Weber. “People get wrapped up in their own lives. But (Kirkland residents) are the eyes and ears of the police department. They are the first eyes on the scene.”

Four National Night Out meetings are already scheduled in Kirkland and more are to come.

In the Rose Hill Neighborhood, there will be a meeting in 12600 block of N.E. 72nd Street. In Houghton, a meeting will take place in the 6200 block of 108th Place N.E. The Juanita neighborhood will have two meetings. The first will be located in North Juanita in the 10300 block of N.E. 125th Place, and the second in the 11800 block of 101st Place N.E.

Weber said that the events will run from 4 or 5 p.m. until about 9 p.m. Weber will attend each event along with a second officer. The two will be there to meet with residents and answer questions about the Kirkland Police Department or law enforcement. Kirkland Firefighters may also be in attendance to show support and answer any questions.

To show support of National Night Out, Kirkland residents are encouraged to “get with neighbors and friends, turn your porch lights on, and come outside to take a stand against crime.”

To register your event with the City of Kirkland, contact Officer Audra Weber, Kirkland Police Department at 425-587-3451 or aweber@Kirklandwa.gov.