RIPON – “National Night Out” is a nationwide campaign created to bring closer neighbors and communities while deterring crime and heightening awareness.

This year’s “National Night Out” in Ripon is scheduled on Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the Community Center, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the time clashing with the City Council scheduled session.

Elected officials are hoping to participate in this annual event that, in 2010, involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, and various organizations in over 15,000 communities.

But in order to do  so, they’ll request tonight to move the start time two hours ahead on their Aug. 2 meeting, from 7 p.m. to 5 o’clock.

Meanwhile, the Ripon Police Department has been working with local organizations in helping put together a successful event, according to Chief Edward Ormonde in his May 19 letter.

“We are respectfully requesting that the Ripon City Council revise their meeting time to allow them to participate in this event,” he said.

“National Night Out” is also designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals by letting them know that neighborhoods are not only organized but are fighting back.