As you can imagine, there are overwhelming police staffing needs due to the devastating flood damage in Ellicott City. Officers are working around the clock to help ensure safety and security on Main Street and surrounding areas.
In order to meet those needs, Howard County Police are diverting all resources to assist in Ellicott City. In light of this, HCPD will not be able to provide support this year at the level previously planned to National Night Out parties, or at the kickoff event. While we are disappointed to miss these events that we have attended for years, we also know that we are placing our staff where they need to be right now; helping those who need the greatest assistance.
We are encouraging communities that have scheduled events to continue as planned. National Night Out has had 32 years of citizens coming together as one community, and we do not want a tragedy like what happened to Ellicott City to disrupt that. We will be asking officers who are working in patrol to stop by parties in their patrol beats and provide their presence and support, if possible.
National Night Out has always been about communities coming together to build comradery and partnership, and the coming together with law enforcement to do what is good for the people who live here. There has never been a greater reflection of the community in Howard County than what has been seen over the last few days, after Ellicott City was dealt such a devastating blow.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to working with you at the next National Night Out and every day in between.
Howard County Police
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