Police and community leaders unite for National Night Out to combat crime, focusing on decreasing gun violence in San Antonio.
SAN ANTONIO — Police, sheriff departments, and community leaders are meeting Tuesday across the state for National Night Out – an opportunity to work together to prevent crime.
The Neighborhoods First Alliance and Harvard Place Eastlawn Neighborhood Association’s theme for their National Night Out is “Stop the gun violence.” This will be the second time the organizations are hosting the event at Phyllis Wheatly Park.
Commissioner Tommy Calvert Jr., said that part of town has issues with gun violence and it has to stop.
According to the San Antonio Police Department, the city as a whole is on a downward trend for fatal shootings. So far this year, there’s been 71 deadly shootings and this time last year it was 89. In 2023 that number was 103.
Calvert said partnerships like this will continue to lower the number.
“We’re not allowing the criminal element to feel any safe harbor whatsoever in our community. We’re letting the criminal element know that there are more of us, more good guys than bad guys, and that we are coming after them, not them coming after us,” Calvert said.
On Tuesday, during National Night Out, hotspot cards will be given out to make anonymous reports along with a backpack giveaway and physical and mental health services.
The event will be held at Phyllis Wheatly Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.