How can we make our community safer? Almost every city asks that question, and Selma is no different.

To make Selma a safe city, it will take many different components. One of the factors will be addressed Monday night.

The Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Selma will hold a meeting Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Building.

“The meeting will be to plan a Celebrate Safe Community activity,” said Jaque Johnson, who belongs to the Old Town Neighborhood Watch program. “Old Town has participated in the National Night Out but usually it is too hot or near the beginning of the school year so it will leave out a lot of people. This is a way we can have an event that will make the public more aware of crime prevention programs and tips.”

Police Chief William T. Riley III and councilwoman Monica Newton will be on hand to plan the Celebrate Safe Community event.

The U.S. Department of Justice supports the Celebrate Safe Communities initiative and partnered with the national Sheriff’s Association, National Crime Prevention Council and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The program is intended to highlight communities’ crime prevention efforts, enhance public awareness of vital crime prevention and safety messages and recruit year-round support for ongoing prevention activities that help keep neighborhoods safe from crime.

The Celebrate Safe Communities typically hold events in October to coincide with Crime Prevention.

The National Crime Prevention Council designated October Crime Prevention Month in 1984. Since that time, government agencies, civic groups, schools, businesses and youth organizations have educated the public and explored new partnerships during this special month.

“I hope everyone will try to come out and help make this a great event,” Johnson said. “It is important to do what we can for the community.”