National Night Out is designed to: 

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
• Generate support for and participation in, local anti-crime programs
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The purpose of National Night Out is to build strong partnerships between the police and communities and to promote crime awareness programs such as Neighborhood Community Watch groups. According to NATW, last year's event was the largest ever, involving 38 million people in 16,000 communities from all 50 states, US territories, and military bases worldwide. 

Neighborhoods throughout the community are encouraged to lock their doors, turn on their porch lights, gather with their neighbors to show unity against criminal activity and join City Council Members, other city officials, and public safety personnel. Many neighborhoods will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, swimming parties, cookouts, and various other activities.