We all have a responsibility to keep our city safe. On a daily basis, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to serve the community and protect citizens. Members of the civilian community can do their part by protecting themselves and their valuables in order to help deter crime.

By working together, we can ensure our streets and neighborhoods are safe. It is when we work together that we can help ensure crime rates remain low and future generations grow up in a safe environment.

Earlier this week, Picayune police officers participated in the National Night Out Against Crime, during which they paid a visit to residents of the Pines and Bridgeway Apartments and members of the Weems Chapel United Methodist Church in an effort to reach out to the community.

According to the National Association of Town Watch—a non-profit crime prevention organization—National Night Out is an annual campaign that promotes law enforcement and community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods a safer place to live.

Chief of Police Bryan Dawsey spoke at a Picayune Exchange club meeting earlier this week about how to prevent crime since October marks Crime Prevention and Fire Safety month. Dawsey said that crime prevention starts with the citizens of a community.

“Make sure to lock your vehicles and hide any possessions inside your car’s trunk or take them inside your home,” Dawsey said that day.

He also emphasized the importance of homeowners locking the front door at all times.

Law enforcement officers and community members all work toward a common goal: keeping the community safe.

If we work hand in hand, there’s no telling what we can accomplish.