Anyone passing by the procession must have wondered what dignitary was in town as police lights and sirens caught their attention.

A caravan including the mayor, Natchez police officers and several city department heads descended upon neighborhoods to celebrate Natchez Night Out, an evening of fellowship designed to promote community safety.

The idea is simple: by encouraging neighbors to look out for each other, law enforcement can help deter crime.

But as our moral code has become less simple, many people believe we are losing that simple idea, even in a small community like Natchez.

That’s why events like Natchez Night Out &045; and programs like Neighborhood Watch &045; are so important.

To be sure, the crime rate in Natchez is actually decreasing. Perhaps we can credit some of that to programs like Neighborhood Watch, which encourage residents to keep an eye out for each other &045; and for trouble.

Bringing police officers to neighborhoods also encourages children to avoid trouble &045; and to report it when they see it.

In several of the neighborhoods on Tuesday, children were waiting not only to enjoy the evening party but to hear what police officers had to say.

Natchez Night Out has fast become a tradition in our community, and it’s one we certainly hope continues.