10/1/2008
Rice hosts a National Night Out to prevent crime
Campus community celebration geared toward safety
BY JESSICA STARK
Rice News staff
In an effort to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anticrime efforts, Rice will again participate in the annual National Night Out Oct. 7. The university will host events that bring students together and educate them on crime-prevention strategies. The community informational celebration will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Brown College quadrangle.
The Rice University Police Department is leading campus efforts for National Night Out. It will offer personal-safety tips and conduct an "impaired-driving experience" using a golf cart and Fatal Vision goggles, which simulate the visual impairment caused by alcohol or drugs. The activity aims to help people understand the very real dangers of driving under the influence.
Rice will also host a Rape Aggression Defense booth where people can register to take self-defense classes. RUPD will also have a table for the campus community to register their bikes and pick up locks.
The event is designed to be fun with a 25-foot rock-climbing wall and other activities. Rice football players will be there with a passing net, so students and neighbors can experience passing the pigskin with the gridiron stars. McGruff the Crime Dog will also be on hand for some fun photo opportunities.
Food and drinks will be provided courtesy of the university serveries, and there will be other treats like snow cones and popcorn.
Now in its 25th year, National Night Out is a crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. Traditionally held the second Tuesday in August, Texas is holding it in October this year to take advantage of cooler weather. For more information on National Night Out, visit http://www.nationalnightout.org/nno/.
