Citizens, along with business and community leaders of unincorporated areas of Fort Bend County, are invited to join their neighbors and meet with Fort Bend County sheriff’s deputies during the 38th Annual Texas National Night Out, the nation's night out against crime.

This year, Fort Bend County citizens will celebrate National Night Out on Oct. 4 by joining their neighbors at neighborhood block parties all across the county. Registration is required and is now open for groups wishing to have a sheriff’s office representative attend their gathering.

National Night Out is an annual community-building event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Across the county, neighborhoods, homeowners’ association, and citizens’ groups will host block parties to encourage neighbors to get to know each other and local law enforcement agencies to help make their community safer.

“Our deputies always enjoy meeting the citizens we serve and share a common goal to keep our families and property safe,” Sheriff Eric Fagan said. “National Night Out is a terrific opportunity to meet one-on-one with our deputies in a fun and engaging setting.”

While some neighborhoods host outdoor gatherings, others join in by turning on their front porch light in support of each other and law enforcement.

National Night Out is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.
• Generate support and participation in crime prevention efforts.
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community relations.
• Let criminals know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The deadline to register to ensure a visit from the Sheriff’s Office is Sept. 30. To register and learn more, contact Deputy Gerard Argao at socp@fortbendcountytx.gov.