NNO 2009: Organizer and Participant Feedback

I am continually impressed by [Durham’s] large resident/community turnout and high police participation and presence. The NNO shirts, caps, fans (needed with our heat and humidity) and stickers are very popular and present a polished, well-planned and organized look. - City Councilmember Dianne Catotti

Swann’s Mill had a wonderful time at our [first ever] NNO celebration! More homeowners became aware and there was a sense of empowerment felt. More neighbors are showing interest in becoming involved in community actions. We had almost 100 folks at the celebration! – J. Romine

NNO 2009 was Audubon Park’s best National Night Out event in the four years we have sponsored an NNO community event. We had more than 400 adults and children attend. Durham Police, District Four police officers attended and many stayed most of the evening joining us in eating cool ice cream on a very warm evening. Additionally this year a Durham County Sheriff’s Deputy attended and joined our Durham Police Patrol Vehicle display. The adults had the opportunity to thank all the officers for their dedication and partnership to deter and prevent crime while the kids sat in the patrol vehicles… - R. Carroll

This was the first year that Duke University and Duke University Health System hosted NNO events. Participation was well-received…We were not prepared for the overwhelming amount of interest and participation that we received from the Duke community. We were very thankful for the assistance we received from Durham PD with additional NNO materials. NNO has opened up new dialogue creating a stronger awareness of employees notifying Duke University Police Department of concerns. I have seen that NNO has opened new doors of interest in promoting crime prevention awareness with employees and patients and families recognizing that they can make a positive difference. - Officer Eric Hester, Duke University Police Dept.

The level of awareness of what is happening in the [Hickory Ridge] neighborhood is much higher. We were able to share neighborhood crime information, discuss opportunities for interaction, made plans to better meet the needs of our youth especially in the time of an emergency. A tremendous benefit [of NNO] is that we are gradually going back to the old ways where when you see a child actually doing something that you know they should not be doing, neighbors are now feeling more empowered to stop them, speak to them, etc. There is less fear. – D. Sellers

What an incredible event it turned into here at Bexley-Oxford University Park. We planned for 25 and had 80 not including children, police support, etc. AWESOME! - J. Kanters

It is easy to get caught up in your own busy life and not talk to your neighbors. Neighbor partnership and communication is necessary to keeping crime down in our neighborhood. NNO provides a great opportunity for neighbors to meet and talk. Morehead Hill had a fabulous NNO. We had a wonderful turnout from our neighbors and even had the good fortune of having the TROSA band playing for the evening. – C. Fish

[Woodlake’s] NNO event this year had good resident participation comparable to last year. It was hard to get an exact count, but probably about 150 people (out of 600 homes in the neighborhood) attended and several called to say they wished they could come by had conflicts. Residents seemed to enjoy the handouts of both information and promotional items. Police visibility was good and the mayor came by too! – C. Thetford

We really enjoyed our NNO experience. This was the first neighborhood event at which all 10 of the WOANOC residents under age 5 (plus 2 visiting grandkids, too) were in attendance. Adult attendees numbered 26-28 for a total of about 40 people came or stopped by-- plus Lieutenant O'Neal. – H Biola, West of Alabama, North of Club (WOANOC).

Sheriff’s Dept. brought their crime scene van…. Trooper Ellerbe gave out pamphlets concerning how to buckle up children of all ages and pamphlets about NC ISAAC. [Azalea Park] had 4 families that just moved in from overseas and watching how the other residents communicated with them, explaining how and what NNO meant to them, was an amazing experience for the entire community... We had individuals all night dropping by which was exciting and kept everyone asking questions. DPD’s GREAT Escalade with City Councilman Mike Woodard was also a big hit.D. Brustad

A great big "thank you" to Durham PD staff, Duke University Police, NCCU Police, Target Stores, and community vendors who made the event successful. My overall impression about the Uplift East Durham Neighbors’ 2009 NNO observance was that participation not only included the residents but business owners in the neighborhood who had not heard of NNO or participated before. City Council members’ appearance, the district police personnel and other City departments’ representatives’ participation during the event left a mental image of support and security; with a lasting effect of unity among our neighbors. – -C. Hill