Tempe once again will join the now 31-year-old nationwide campaign designed to bring neighborhoods—and neighbors—together in an ongoing, collaborative fight against crime.
The program, known as Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods, or G.A.I.N., encourages communities to muster support for neighborhood gatherings one night of the year.
Many states hold their events in August; Texas, Florida and some Arizona cities schedule G.A.I.N. nights during October to bypass one of the hottest months of the year.
The observance focuses on promoting safety and communication, as well as celebrating the successes of crime prevention through community involvement.
Prior to the event, which will be held citywide from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, neighborhood leaders will be invited to join elected officials, city of Tempe Neighborhood Services staff and police employees at a G.A.I.N. kickoff/planning event.
Said Tempe Assistant Chief John Rush:
“G.A.I.N. is a powerful demonstration of our city’s community-oriented approach to public safety. The continued success of G.A.I.N. is due to the ongoing commitment and inspired leadership by a variety of people across Tempe.”
Tempe locations of Salt River Project, Paul’s ACE Hardware,Target Headquarters and Sub Factory, are hosting this year’s observance.
According to Tempe PD spokeswoman Molly Enright, Tempe residents last year hosted nearly 100 G.A.I.N. parties, attended by 4,000 residents. Tempe Crime Prevention officers partner each year with single-family-home neighborhoods as well as apartment complexes to host G.A.I.N events.
Tempe reaches out well in advance to neighborhood leaders by hosting a kickoff/preparation meeting to plan ahead. This year’s planning meeting was held Aug. 26.
At that session, neighborhood leaders learned about the latest crime prevention resources and technology, and received tips on how to connect with neighbors to host a successful G.A.I.N. party, as well as how to encourage neighborhood formation of a Block Watch program.
Information from the initial meeting was designed to be shared during G.A.I.N. events. It also was designed to be used in programs designed to connect with neighbors throughout the year.
Neighborhood leaders selected at the planning sessions were told how their efforts can be mustered to create an inclusive, well attended, fun and successful G.A.I.N. Night event.
Sponsor-donated raffle prizes, including gate and window locks, are being offered to help encourage attendance, as are opportunities to win vehicle and staff visits from the Fire, Police, and Public Works departments.
Said Chief Rush:
“Getting to know your neighbors is an important step toward preventing crime. Those who know and care about each other are aware of work and travel schedules, and can watch each other’s homes.
“Neighbors who enjoy good relationships are more comfortable reporting crime and suspicious activity to the police, and are more likely to work together to keep a great quality of life in their neighborhood.
Information: www.tempe.gov/GAIN or 480-350-8234.
