Navy Partners with Spanish Law Enforcement for Night Out

[Navy for Moms Admin]

Release Date: 8/10/2009
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Paul Cage, Naval Station Rota Public Affairs

090804-N-7915T-098 ROTA, Spain (Aug. 4, 2009) Children interact with a RONS robot used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8 Detachment Europe during the 26th annual National Night Out. The Naval Station Rota Security Department, local Spanish police, and the Spanish Civil Guard, along with various base agencies teamed up to promote policing programs such as drug prevention, community watch, and other anti-crime efforts to bring neighbors together. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ben Tisdale/Released)

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota Security Department, local Spanish police and Guardia Civil took to the streets to promote policing programs such as drug prevention, community watch and other anti-crime efforts during the 26th annual National Night Out Aug. 4.

National Night Out is a community-police partnership held the first Tuesday of every August since 1984 and is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch in the United States and Canada. Initially, communities held lights-on vigils, but now many communities hold block parties, festivals and other events to help bring neighbors together.

"While one night out is certainly not an answer to stopping crime, National Night Out does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places throughout the year," said guest speaker Cmdr. Thomas Eberhard, NAVSTA Rota executive officer. "It is a night to celebrate safety and crime prevention successes and to expand and strengthen programs for the next 364 days."

Along with education and information from organizations including the American Red Cross, NAVSTA Rota Security Department and Emergency Management Department, attendees also met Spanish local police and the Guardia Civil.

"It's not only a great way to learn how to prevent crime but also a chance to meet all the different security and emergency services, Spanish and American," said Heather Boyd. "It shows just how much the people of Rota care for each other and how we look out for one another."

"The turnout tonight has been awesome," said event coordinator, Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW) Juan Bueno.
"We've had a lot of different groups supporting, ranging from the Marines' Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, Company Europe to local organizations. So many individuals donated their time and services to make this year's event a success, and I am really grateful for everyone's support."

For more news from Naval Station Rota, Spain, visit www.navy.mil/local/rota/.