Every year, the first Tuesday in August is designated as “National Night Out” (NNO) in the United States, promoting community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This year, on August 5th, police departments across the country held events in conjunction with local governments to strengthen connections and trust with community members, creating a lively atmosphere.
On Tuesday night, many Chinese communities in Southern California enthusiastically participated in NNO activities. For example, outside the Arcadia Police Department, people gathered on the lawn as the department provided refreshments to visitors, invited them to tour the facility, view special police vehicles and K-9 demonstrations. There was also a designated children’s area, along with live band performances, fostering engaging conversations between residents and uniformed officers.
Arcadia is often referred to as the “Beverly Hills of China”. While authorities acknowledge it as generally a safe community, they caution against common crimes like home invasions and mail theft which can still occur, urging the public to remain vigilant.
Officer Kollin Cieadlo highlighted a case of targeted mail theft in upscale residential areas. Several suspects were apprehended and faced legal consequences for their actions.
To prevent becoming a victim of mail theft, law enforcement recommends securing mailboxes with locks and if possible, relocating them to yards instead of placing them by the roadside. Measures to prevent home break-ins include installing alarm and surveillance systems, securing all doors and windows, locking side gates, ensuring adequate outdoor lighting at night, and regularly trimming overgrown bushes.
The “Neighborhood Watch” program is actively promoted by U.S. law enforcement agencies, encouraging residents to assist each other within their communities and promptly report any suspicious activity to authorities.
Cieadlo also informed Arcadia residents that their police department has implemented the “Neighborhood Watch” program, assigning specific officers to different geographical areas of the city. Residents can find contact information for their area’s designated police officer online, facilitating close communication.
“If encountering any suspicious incidents or uncertainties, people should not hesitate to call the police,” emphasized Cieadlo. When reporting a crime, providing essential information such as location, details of the incident, and suspect descriptions helps law enforcement respond promptly. He stressed that individuals should not be reluctant to report incidents, as the police are there to assist and ensure community safety.
In addition to addressing common crime types, cybersecurity has become a significant concern in today’s society. At many “National Night Out” events in Southern California, the promotion of a safe online environment by the U.S. tech company “Gan Jing World” attracted interest from attendees and officials.
Volunteer Elise Tsai from “Gan Jing World” explained the company’s mission of providing a clean, non-toxic, non-violent social platform that is healthy for families and children.
In an era where social media is saturated with misleading content on drugs, alcohol abuse, and pornography, leading many youths astray towards criminal activities, the concept of “Gan Jing World” resonates with numerous parents seeking a safer online space for their families. The immediate downloads on mobile phones attest to its appeal.
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo emphasized the importance of internet safety alongside physical safety for communities, cities, and families, while expressing appreciation for initiatives like “Gan Jing World” that raise awareness about online security.