HISTORY- National Night Out – was introduced by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) in 1984. The program was the brainchild of NATW Executive Director Matt A. Peskin.

In an effort to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anti-crime efforts, Peskin felt that a high profile, high impact type of crime prevention event was needed nationally. At that time, he noted that in a typical ‘crime watch community’, only 5% to 7% of the residents were participating actively. Due to the growth and success of these programs, he felt this percentage was too low. Subsequently, he proposed a national program which would be coordinated by local crime prevention agencies and organizations - but that would involve entire communities at one time. The first National Night Out was introduced early in 1984. The first event was held on the first Tuesday in August.

The first year, 400 communities in 23 states participated in National Night Out. Nationwide, 2.5 million Americans took part in 1984. The seed had been planted. The event has since grown to involve more than 34 million people  in over 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.