The Dayton Police Department prides itself on participating in the annual National Night Out event. The “National Night Out” program began in 1983, and is celebrated the first Tuesday in August.  More than 38 million people in 16,500 communities in all 50 states, Canada, U.S territories, and military bases worldwide took part in National Night Out 2016.

Many people associate National Night Out, with leaving a porch light on, but celebrations have grown over the years to include a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, and community events allowing citizens, law enforcement and local government leaders to interact. National Night Out is intended to build community while boosting crime prevention awareness and participation in anti-crime groups and programs. Neighbors, law enforcement and city leaders come together to form partnerships and send a message to criminals that they care about the community and are prepared to fight crime.

Every year the Dayton Police Department leads the Neighborhood Tour Caravan, which is comprised of law enforcement and fire personnel, along with City of Dayton leaders.  The caravan makes scheduled stops at various National Night Out community celebrations in neighborhoods across the city.