The Selma Police Department hosted its 32nd annual National Night Out this past Tuesday at the Riverfront Amphitheater.

The yearly event is a great way for the community, particularly youth, to interact and get to know the police department.

National Night Out was also a way to recognize neighborhood watch groups and encourage more people in Selma to form their own group.

Lt. Natsha Fowlkes acknowledged that many people may be afraid to start a watch group, but she said making that stand can make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

“It takes some courage and dedication to do this, so that is why we wanted to recognized people,” Fowles said Tuesday.

We salute neighborhood watch groups for the important work they do. Selma needs to come together and say to those who commit crimes that we aren’t going to tolerate violence and theft anymore.

Anyone interested in joining the nine neighborhood watch groups already in Selma should call Fowlkes at 874-5261.