(1) Nicholas Rosenberg, 10, shakes the paw of McGruff, the crime fighting dog during the 26th Anniversary of National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 04, 2009. (2) Kids play on a Santa Monica Police SWAT Hummer during  National Night Out. (3) Santa Monica Police Sergeant Thomas lands his helicopter at Santa Monica City Hall's front lawn for National Night Out.

National Night Out 2008 involved 37 million people in 15,449 communities from all 50 states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. National Night Out 2009 is expected to be the largest ever. The goal of the Santa Monica Police Department is to build upon the good relationship our police and community share along with celebrating that partnership which makes the city of Santa Monica such a safe place to live, work, and visit. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

This year’s event theme is “Back to Basics” and the SMPD is highlighting the efforts of  their Homeless Liaison Program and the City’s “Project Homecoming.” This program is available to homeless individuals and families currently receiving services from City-funded homeless agencies, individuals in the process of discharge from the criminal justice, health, mental health or substance abuse systems in Santa Monica who will be homeless upon discharge. The goal of the program is to reunify individuals with their family members by arranging and providing travel assistance.

The event featured carnival games with prizes, the ballet folklorico dance recital, and the Police Activities League ( PAL ) martial arts demonstrations. Free food and drinks was provided and everyone had an opportunity to win a raffle prize.

Some of the sponsors for this year’s event include the Santa Monica Police Officers’ Association, 7-Eleven, Famima, MP Urban Marketing-Jarritos, Ocean Park Pizza, Bookmark Café, and Bud’s Deli.