National Night Out in the MIdlands

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Tonight, residents of neighborhoods in both Richland County and the City of Columbia will take part in National Night out. The event is aimed at helping neighborhoods stop and prevent crime and to encourage communities to interact with each other and law enforcment. “We’re here together as a community as a neighborhood and as a county,” says Jim McCauley, Lower Richland resident. Law enforcment agencies, including the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, will partner with communities for tonight’s events. But their partnership goes beyond today, recently the department adopted the “Guardians Watch App,” it’s one you can download on your phone for free. Officers say it’s like having a crimewatch in your pocket. C.A.T. member, Lieutenant Rafael Gonzalez says the app helps officers daily. “This is 365 days out of the year, it never stops,” says Lt. Gonzalez. The tips work just like Crimestoppers, but instead of calling you use the app. “You can either videotape or take a picture and send it to us,” says Lt. Gonzalez. The information then goes straight to law enforcement. “We’re not asking you to do our jobs, but if you are able to video or take picture, do it,” says Lt. Gonzalez. Since it’s implementation in February, Lt. Gonzalez says the tool has already helped solve crimes across Richland County. And he hopes it will go further. “It’s going to save lives both ways, it’s going to save lives on the street and it’s going to save officers’ lives,” says Lt. Gonzalez. Back at Lower Richland, McCauley is ready to stand with officers and the community with one message for crime. “Tonight is the night when the neighborhoods, law enforcement, our politicians all of the merchants come together to let crime know we stand together,” says McCauley. Some National Night Out even locations include: Richland Village Apartments – 1234 Universal Drive Summit Community – The Summit Clemson Road Lake Carolina – Town Center Woodlands Forest Greens Neighborhood Association – 9 Baldur Court. Lower Richland rHigh School – 2615 Lower Richland Boulevard Carriage House Apartments – 110 Amsterdam Drive Newcastle Neighborhood – 202 Newcastle Drive St. Andrews Pointe Apartment – 1510 St. Andrews Road Courtyards at Providence Plantation – Providence Crossing