Law enforcement experts will tell you that fighting crime isn&8217;t something they can do alone. In most places, law enforcement officers are simply spread too thin to be enough of a deterrent by their mere presence.

To truly fight crime, law enforcement needs your help, and Tuesday night, you can begin a new career in crime fighting &8212; and don&8217;t worry, all you have to do is show up.

For nearly a quarter of a century, Americans have celebrated National Night Out, an evening set aside to raise awareness of crime and drug prevention.

Throughout that time, countless numbers of neighbors have met at block parties or cookouts. The familiarity that comes from knowing one another and becoming familiar with the comings and goings of the neighborhood helps everyone more easily notice when something is awry.

Across the Miss-Lou, local law enforcement agencies have participated in National Night Out for years.

This year is no different, with agencies participating in a number of neighborhood activities.

Everyone who is able to do so, please participate in a local National Night Out event. With as many events as are planned throughout the area, chances are that one is planned for your neighborhood.

If you are in doubt, call your local law enforcement agency and ask for more information.