Hays County Sheriff's Deputy Jeffrey Jordan, left, and Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler, right, with the 2011 National Night Out plaque. PHOTO via HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

STAFF REPORT

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office received word last month that it had placed 19th out of 140 agencies throughout the U.S. serving the same population size (100,000 to 299,000).

The Sheriff’s Office placed 26th in the same category in 2010, and has received a plaque recognizing its commitment to the National Night Out program every year since 1989.

National Night Out, held annually since 1984 and sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, is an event used to heighten awareness of crime prevention strategies, enhance police-community relations, bolster volunteer morale, and serve as a deterrent to criminals.

According to Hays County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jeff Jordan, the event initially involved lights-on vigils in neighborhoods. Now, many communities hold block parties, festivals, and other events to help bring neighbors together. Twenty San Marcos neighborhood groups hosted block parties and mingled with city officials and first responders on Oct. 4, 2011 to celebrate National Night Out.

Texas will have its next National Night Out on Oct. 2. Other states celebrated National Night Out on Aug. 2. Texas’ celebration is later due to the severity of August’s hot weather.

Individuals who wish to participate in National Night Ourt may call their local law enforcement agency or neighborhood watch coordinator. San Marcos neighborhoods wishing to participate may contact SMPD officer Danny Arredondo at (512) 754-2270 or darredondo@sanmarcostx.gov. Interested neighborhoods may also contact Hays County sheriff’s deputy Jeffrey Jordan at (512) 393-7373 or jeff.jordan@co.hays.tx.us.