UTA Police awarded for National Night Out event
For the ninth consecutive year, the National Association of Town Watch has recognized The University of Texas at Arlington Police Department with an award for its National Night Out programming.
National Night Out is an annual event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie by bringing together police and neighbors under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and more.
For the event, UTA Police adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by organizing a walk-through event during the day in the University Center mall. Participants received crime-prevention information, giveaway souvenirs and opportunities to ask questions with and talk to UTA Police officers.
UTA Police Chief Kim Lemaux said her team interacted with more than 550 members of the UTA community at the event. Her team was one of just two campus police departments nationwide to receive this award in 2020.
“While many communities and campuses across the country canceled their events due to the pandemic, our team became even more committed to finding innovative ways to safely host this important event,” Lemaux said. “Everyone seemed to enjoy the opportunity to share a moment of camaraderie and collaboration, as we all work together to keep our campus safe.”
UTA Police also received recent recognition for its Crime Victim Services Unit, which won the Leadership in Victim Services Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.