By Justin Fedich | The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma Police Department is hosting its 32nd annual National Night Out Tuesday to give Selma citizens the chance to meet members of law enforcement, connect with each other and take a stand against crime in the community.

The National Night Out takes place from 6-9 p.m. at the Riverfront Amphitheater and George P. Evans Reception Hall.

There will be games for children and a chance for the community to interact with law enforcement and other members of the community in a fun social setting.

“We want to send a message to the criminals to let them know that neighbors are organizing and we’re coming together to help them come up with better ways to help protect them in their neighborhoods such as encouraging them to form neighborhood watches,” said Lt. Natasha Fowlkes with the Selma Police Department.

Fowlkes said nine members of the community who volunteer as neighborhood watches will be honored with certificates at the National Night Out. She hopes more members of the community will step up to volunteer as neighborhood watches to help keep Selma safe.

“We’re always looking to get more residents to form neighborhood watches,” Fowlkes said.

The Selma Fire Department will be putting on a fire prevention program to celebrate fire prevention month. The Selma Police Department will also have a demonstration with its K-9 unit.