Tonight, more than 40 million people in more than 16,000 communities across the nation, including many right here in Suffolk, will join together at block parties, cookouts, parades and other events in a show of solidarity against crime.

National Night Out is a 32-year-old event designed to enhance the partnership between citizens, businesses and law enforcement communities to make neighborhoods across the country safer places to live, work and raise families. Suffolk has a long, award-winning history with the program. The city has received national award recognition in Category 3 (population 30,000 to 99,999) for the last several years. In fact, in 2008, 2009 and 2014, the city’s events ranked Suffolk first in the nation among its peers.

Small wonder, considering the time and effort city officials and volunteers put into designing events throughout Suffolk’s 430 square miles. From Burbage Grant to Whaleyville, there will be a plethora of events to enjoy.

The parties will include games, food, entertainment, raffles, face painting, bounce houses, petting zoos, carnival games, motivational speakers, free health screenings, puppet shows, line dancing and more. These are truly events designed for the whole family, as families are an important component of both National Night Out in particular and the fight against crime in general.

The theme this year is “Working Together to Take a Bite Out of Crime.” That theme is perfectly aligned with the simple fact that making communities safer is a team effort that must include police, the courts, families and neighbors.

You can join the effort, too. Find out how to do so by joining one of the celebrations taking place this evening. For more information and to find a National Night Out party near you, visit www.suffolknno.com. You could even have a chance to meet McGruff the Crime Dog. If you do, tell him you’re ready to help “Take a Bite Out of Crime.”