FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 8, 2014

CONTACT: Peter Van Delft
(617) 704-6682

SHERIFF TOMPKINS, SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT LEND SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins was joined onstage by Boston Mayor Martin Walsh (middle); Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley; State Representatives Dan Cullinane and Evandro Carvahlo; members of the Boston Police Department; and winners of the “Top Crime Watch of the Year” Award, United Neighborhood Association.

Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department recently participated in the 31st annual National Night Out.

National Night Out is a country–wide program that cultivates and strengthens partnerships among the community, youth, police, city agencies and community–based organizations. It also acknowledges the remarkable contributions of Neighborhood Watch groups, and seeks to increase participation in Neighborhood Watch programs among local residents.

Sheriff Tompkins joined Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and several other elected officials, as well as Boston Police Commissioner William Evans and Superintendent In–Chief William Gross on the caravan that traveled to the neighborhoods of Brighton, Hyde Park, Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roxbury, Chinatown, Dorchester, East Boston, the North End and South Boston. Along the way at each stop, Sheriff Tompkins delivered his message about the importance of education in reducing incarceration and thanked attendees for their contribution to the event.

“Remember, everyone: we need education, not incarceration,” said Sheriff Tompkins. “And, for those who aren’t incarcerated, we need to get them healthcare, jobs and education. What you’re doing today is important because you’re exercising your civic pride and being good neighbors, which helps to build safe, healthy communities. Thank you all for taking time out to be here.”

Members of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department were present at National Night Out events throughout Suffolk County manning tables and offering the Department’s Ident–A–Youth fingerprinting program, distributing “Safety Tips For Kids” coloring books and “Junior Deputy” t–shirts to children.

At the conclusion of the National Night Out 2014 celebrations, Sheriff Tompkins spoke about his participation and why he feels that the program is so important.

“I really enjoy being a part of National Night Out,” said Sheriff Tompkins. “It’s such a big time of the year for the law enforcement community and the community in general. People have a chance to see the other side of what we do. They get to see that we’re not the enemy and that we really do have their best interest at heart. It’s important for people in the community to feel our presence and not fear it, but welcome it. That’s a part of how you steer people away from trouble and onto the right path.”

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