This year’s National Night Out is planned from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. National Night Out is a night when residents lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outdoors getting to know their neighbors and local law enforcement.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anticrime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

 In 2011, Turlock won an award from the National Association of Town Watch for an exceptional third year of participation in the program.

Neighbors are encouraged to host special events such as block parties, cookouts, ice cream socials, or neighborhood gatherings. Turlock Police and Turlock Fire officials will be visiting each area that registered their party with the Turlock Police Department.

Those who will not be participating in a neighborhood block party but would like to participate in National Night Out, Turlock Recreation will be hosting a free National Night Out party at Columbia Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday.