Texans Against Crime Block Parties

TYLER — Police in Tyler are encouraging residents to sign up for the annual Texans Against Crime (T.A.C.) night out. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 12th , 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. T.A.C. celebrations are held throughout East Texas on the second Tuesday in October. Last year the City of Tyler had approximately 90 block parties throughout the City to promote the program, and they’re hoping for a similar number, or more, this year. Community Response Officer James McCraw says he hopes you’ll sign up as soon as possible so police can start establishing their list of parties. You can register online at http://www.tylerpolice.com or call the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1096.

Police say the T.A.C. program is an annual event designed to unite neighbors and communities to encourage neighborhood communication, community involvement and crime prevention to create safer neighborhoods. T.A.C. encourages neighborhoods to host block parties as an opportunity to get to know your neighbor and fight crime. McCraw says he knows things like buying food for a block party can pose a financial burden. He says one answer is just to keep your party simple — perhaps nothing more than a small gathering on the street.

Police say T.A.C. promotes neighborhood alliances to strengthen communities and preserve the quality of life in East Texas. According to police, the program helps to educate families, friends and neighbors about crime prevention and inform residents that communities are safer when neighbors work together. Police add that getting to know your neighbors is an important step in keeping your community safe.