National Night Out brings the community together

Since 1984, Salem has been celebrating the partnership between residents and the police department and our combined efforts to make neighborhoods safer, better places to live. We celebrate that relationship, along with the rest of America, annually on the first Tuesday of August. The event is called National Night Out.

In Salem, we celebrate the spirit of police-community partnerships with more than 75 block parties across the city each year.

In 2023, National Night Out is on Tuesday, August 1. Don't wait until the last minute, register your block party beginning May 15 when registrations open. Requests for police team visits fill up fast!

How you can participate

Block Parties and Bikes Parades

Neighbors usually hold a party on their block with a yummy cookout or delicious potluck. Sometimes the parties include a kid’s parade, or games and activities for everyone.

Each May, the Salem Police Department begins taking registrations for block parties.

Volunteer Projects

Neighbors often do a volunteer project in their neighborhood, such as painting over graffiti or do lawn care for an elderly neighbor. No matter what the project, the purpose is to bring everyone together to build a strong, safe neighborhood.

Other things to think about

Invite Us to Your Block Party

If you want a police team to visit your block party, be sure to register early. Registration usually opens in May and closes by mid-July.

Have Your Block Party in the Street or in a Park

If you want to party in the street or at your local city park for National Night Out, be sure to select the correct option on your registration.  Under the “Block Party Information” you will be asked about the location of your party.  Select the correct option so our Public Works Department can work on your approval. Normally a fee and permit are associated with these locations, but on National Night Out the fee is waived and the permit process is included, if you register your block party with the Salem Police Department.

If you have questions about street closures or park locations, contact the Customer Service Center directly at 503-588-7272 for more information. The deadline for street closures or city park use for National Night Out purposes is July 21, 2023.  

Forms

Register Your Block Party