Night Out

Staff Writer

Local neighborhoods participated in National Night Out Tuesday evening as they worked to improve communication with local law enforcement.

National Night Out is a crime and drug prevention event that over 34 million people were expected to participate in. The focus lies with neighborhood watch programs.

Thomaston and Upson County residents met with their representatives at the Thomaston Police Department yesterday as they worked to better their community.

It was a fun night as residents enjoyed free food and open conversation with local law enforcement.

The event was designed to heighten crime and drug awareness, generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

“I think the neighborhood watch is important,” said Linda Susan McKinley. “It has helped me personally. I am no longer afraid to call the police if I need to.

“At one time I thought I would have to suffer with the loud music, now I know better.”

Doris Jackson brought her kids to the event.

“I want people to know who they are,” the mother of three said. “The more people watching them the safer they are. We all want our kids to be safe.

“Also, I want my kids to know that officers are good people who can help them.”

Magistrate Judge William Hughley said National Night Out participation is important.

“On a national level it is good that local citizens participate so we can be involved in what is happening,” Hughley said. “Locally it is important because communities need to recognize the importance of law enforcement. That way we can intervene if they need arises.

“Every community and every citizen is important to the judiciary and law enforcement.”

Residents who attended had a chance to talk to representatives from the Upson County Sheriff's Department, Forest Rangers, Georgia State Patrol, Thomaston Fire Department, District Attorney's Office, Department of Family and Children Services, Juvenile Probation Officer, Narcotics Task Force, Red Cross, Emergency Medical Services, State Board of Pardons and Parole, National Guard, State Probation Office, Magistrate Court, Emergency Management Agency, 911 Coordinator, Water Department, Electric Department, Public Works Department, Probate Court, Department of Transportation, Griffin Judicial Circuit Judges, Upson County Extension Agent, Yatesville City Hall, Upson County Animal Shelter, Indigent Defense Administrator, Recreation Department and Gilmore Center Administrator.

“The concept behind the neighborhood watch is important,” said Major Dan Kilgore of the Upson County Sheriff's Department. “Local citizens are our eyes and ears in the community.

“People make the difference in witnessing crimes, reporting crimes and helping solve crimes.

“Hopefully, this event will hep us build our relationships with neighborhood watch programs. That way people will feel comfortable about reporting suspicious activity.”

Thomaston Police Chief Dan Greathouse said neighborhood watches have changed the Cityick up where he left off,” Greathouse said. “I try to attend as many meetings as I can because I think they are beneficial.

“This neighborhoods where we are located now used to be one of the worst areas in the city.

“Because the neighborhood was concerned they were able to improve their community.”

The following neighborhoods and their watch groups met at the Thomaston Police Department: Avenues Neighborhood Watch, Alpha Neighborhood Watch, 456 Neighborhood Association, Garden Terrace Neighborhood Watch, Brookwood Neighborhood Association, Avalon Neighborhood Association and West End Association.

The emergency personnel convoy and the Thomaston Police Department will spent the evening outside with the following communities: Hill Street Neighborhood Association, Triune Avenue Neighborhood Association, Fairview Apartments Neighborhood Association, West Village Neighborhood Association and