National Night Out 2026 will be observed nationally on Tuesday, August 4. City of Alexandria personnel will be visiting as many participating neighborhoods as possible between 5 and 8 p.m.  

National Night Out (NNO) is a celebration of community and public safety agencies coming together to promote community policing partnerships.

Last year, the City of Alexandria was recognized as one of the Top 15 National Night Out communities in the United States within its population category.

Selected from more than 400 similarly sized communities, Alexandria earned this distinction through the strong participation of residents, civic associations, apartment communities, businesses, and public safety partners working together to build safer, more connected neighborhoods.

That partnership continues to make a meaningful difference. 

In 2025, Alexandria experienced a double-digit reduction in crime, reflecting the collective efforts of residents, community organizations, City agencies, and public safety personnel.

National Night Out serves as a visible reminder that when neighbors know one another, stay engaged, and work alongside public safety agencies, communities become stronger, safer, and more resilient.

During National Night Out, the Alexandria Police Department's K-9 Unit, Motorcycle Unit, Bike Patrol, Command Staff and patrol officers will tour neighborhoods and offer special demonstrations with members of Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Fire Department, Department of Emergency and Customer Communications, and other public safety agencies. 

NNO is designed to increase crime prevention awareness, generate support for crime prevention programs, and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized, and are in partnership with law enforcement and public safety agencies to help prevent crime. NNO was introduced in August of 1984 through an already established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. The first annual National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states. 

According to NNO, last year's event was the largest ever that involved 18,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide. 

As Alexandria prepares for National Night Out 2026, residents are encouraged to help build on the success of 2025 by registering their neighborhood event, inviting new participants, and encouraging nearby communities to get involved. Whether hosting a block party, gathering with neighbors, or partnering with local organizations, every event helps strengthen community connections and public safety partnerships. Together, we can make National Night Out 2026 our largest, most engaged, and most impactful celebration yet.

For questions or additional information about NNO, please call 703.746.6703 or email robert.pond@alexandriava.gov.