Knowledge Base

The Rochester Police Department (RPD) and Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) are excited to celebrate Night to Unite, also known as National Night Out.

Night to Unite's goals are to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.
• Generate support and participation in crime prevention and community policing programs.
• Strengthen neighborhood spirits and public safety-community partnerships.
• Let criminals know that you are committed to keeping your neighborhood safe.

Neighborhoods across the state display outdoor lights and front porch vigils and celebrate with various events and activities, including block parties and cookouts, with visits from sheriff’s offices, police and fire departments, and elected officials.

Night to Unite has proven to be an effective, inexpensive, and enjoyable opportunity to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in pursuit of safer communities. Community benefits often extend beyond this single evening event as neighbors get to know each other better. 

Millions of people across the country will join forces on Tuesday, August 5 to promote neighborhood unity and police-community partnerships in pursuit of safer communities.

Neighbors are encouraged to organize gatherings and register them at RochOlmstedUnite.com by Thursday, July 31. Law enforcement officers from RPD or OCSO will visit as many neighborhood celebrations as possible. Other first responders, including Rochester Fire Department, will be visiting neighborhoods too.