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After being postponed from August to October, this year’s National Night Out has now become a National Night IN.

Residents are asked to make and share a short video about why they choose to participate in National Night Out, the importance of getting to know and supporting local public safety officials, and their National Night Out plans for 2021.

“We are extremely saddened and disappointed that we won’t be able to come together as a community along with our amazing public safety professionals to celebrate the pride, appreciation, gratitude and respect we have not only for each other and our city — but also for these brave and committed men and women that are our neighbors, friends and family,” a city press release stated. “In these troubling times across our nation, it is more important now than ever before to share our messages of appreciation with those who have sworn to protect us.”

National Night Out, sponsored nationally by the National Association of Town Watch, is known as a “going-away party for crime.” Residents typically gather in their communities for cookouts, children’s activities, crime awareness and more. They get the opportunity to meet local law enforcement officers and firefighters and to get to know their neighbors.

“However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions to large public gatherings and the need to social distance, we will not be celebrating National Night Out as we have in the past,” the press release stated.

City residents are asked to create and share a short video about their participation in National Night Out and upload it at www.suffolkva.us/2020nnoportal. Videos taken with a smartphone are fine, and older folks are encouraged to ask their children and grandchildren.

Videos should be uploaded by 5 p.m. Sept. 18 so they can be compiled and shared in a “National Night IN 2020” video program that will debut on the National Night Out website, the city’s municipal channel and social media on Oct. 6.

Suffolk’s theme for National Night Out 2020 is “Create Community Connections.”