By:Laura Lane
Put together by the Council of East Meadow Community Organizations (CEMCO) and the Nassau County Police Department's First Precinct, the evening focused on enhancing police and community relations while educating parents and children on crime.
Police from the First Precinct, auxiliary officers and Nassau County Police Commissioner James Lawrence were on hand to field questions from the community. Representatives from the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and Nassau County Legislator Norma Gonsalves (R-East Meadow) were present as well.
Residents were encouraged to take home the free child identification kits handed out, which provide the police department with vital information on children in the event they're missing or abducted.
"We live in very different times," said Gonsalves, who has served as CEMCO's crime watch program director since the National Night Out Against Crime began in 1984. "And it's extremely important for parents and grandparents to make sure our children are identified."
The National Night Out Against Crime was spearheaded by Matt Peskin, executive director of the National Association of Town Watch, a non-profit crime prevention organization that works in cooperation with thousands of crime watch groups and law enforcement agencies.
The night was designed to encourage towns across the nation to participate in promoting police-community partnerships, crime prevention and neighborhood camaraderie.
"While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places throughout the year," Peskin said. "It is a night to celebrate crime prevention successes--and to expand and strengthen programs for the next 364 days."
At this year's East Meadow version of the National Night Out Against Crime, residents were introduced to the Nassau County Police Department Explorers, a group of 15- to 20-year-olds who are interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice.
Trained by the Problem Oriented Police (POP) unit, the teens are involved in myriad community service projects, such as collecting food and clothing for the homeless.
Meanwhile, representatives from the POP unit said they're working closely with civic leaders and local elected officials at eliminating some of the community's ongoing problems.
Graffiti and criminal mischief are two of the biggest crimes that plague East Meadow, especially in the summer when teenagers are most active. Car theft and house burglaries are also of particular concern to East Meadow residents.
The POP unit's effectiveness depends heavily on the community's participation. The officers urged residents to be good neighbors and call 911 if they ever notice anything suspicious.
Cell phones programmed to automatically dial 911 in an emergency were given out, courtesy of Robert Ravens and Lyle Rosenfeld of PCDC American Wireless, in Salisbury.
The store has been collecting the donated phones, which can prove a valuable resource for anyone in an emergency, such as seniors or women who are victims of domestic violence. Gonsalves' office also collects the phones.
"Lyle was active in Kiwanis and it came up and he said he'd be happy to do it," said Ravens, on how his store became involved in the program. "We try to support the community in any way we can."
As children splashed in the pool behind the town square and the sun began to set, a candlelight vigil closed out the event. Gonsalves said the ceremony symbolized the notion of leaving lights on throughout the community to deter criminal activity. Holding the small white candles, the crowd joined in singing God Bless America.
"This night is beneficial because it's one more opportunity to bring the community together and not only show support for one another, but for our police officers," Gonsalves said. "This is an expression of neighborliness. The reason why East Meadow is a safe community is because people come around and express their opinions."
To contact the Problem Oriented Policing unit, call (516) 573-6170. Anyone interested in donating an old cell phone should call Gonsalves' office at 571-6213 or stop by PCDC American Wireless at 808 Carman Ave.
