CAPITAL REGION — At least 15 neighborhood groups will be holding block parties tonight in Albany, and dozens of police officers will be visiting neighborhood groups to promote camaraderie among residents and help prevent crime.

Albany, along with other municipalities in the Capital Region, is taking part in National Night Out, a program designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, generate support for anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships.

It’s also intended to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are fighting back.

The Albany Police Department and the Police Athletic League are sponsoring the city’s 24th annual National Night Out.

“National Night Out is important for any community interested in crime prevention and helps the community and police department work together to make neighborhoods safer,” said Detective James Miller, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety.

“It brings light to the fact you need to do crime prevention on a regular basis, not just one night,” he said.

Miller said the event allows people who wouldn’t regularly have contact with police officers to meet them in a much different atmosphere from when an officer is responding to a call.

Police officers throughout the city, including K-9 patrols, mounted units and the new mobile command bus will visit neighborhood block parties during the course of the evening. Block parties are being held throughout the city beginning at 5 p.m.

Some of the groups participating include the Helderberg Neighborhood Association, West Hill, West End, and Thurlow Tenant Association.

John O’Grady, president of the West Hill Neighborhood Association, said they will hold a simple picnic with hot dogs, soda and a few activities for the kids. He said the police always come around — some on horses — along with McGruff the crime dog and the mayor.

“It’s a way of expressing that we like to do good things in our neighborhood,” said O’Grady. “I think it’s not a matter of vigilance, but a matter of morals and doing anything along these lines helps fight crime. It’s hard for criminals to act nasty in a good neighborhood,” said O’Grady.

There will be a neighborhood party in Washington Park that will include a free presentation of Disney’s “High School Musical” movie on a large inflatable screen. The festivities in Washington Park start at 8 p.m. and culminate with the movie.

SCHENECTADY

Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton said there is no citywide observation this year, but several neighborhood groups will hold flashlight walks or picnics.

“It is a good night to do what we would like to see neighbors do every night of the year, turn on porch lights and be vigilant against crime, “ he said.

Marion Porterfield, site coordinator for the Schenectady Weed and Seed program, said: “I think it’s extremely important. It brings the community and neighborhoods together, which is vastly important.”

The Stockade Association is sponsoring a neighborhood night out and picnic at 5 p.m. today in Riverside Park. “We will have entertainment, food and a chance for neighbors to greet and meet each other,” said Lyn Gordon, president of the Stockade Association.

When Tuesday in the Park was held it was always scheduled for the first Tuesday in August for the purpose of unifying the public and it began as a legitimate observance to fight crime, Stratton said, but it quickly became a commercial enterprise.

While Albany is holding it 24th annual National Night Out, Guilderland will hold its first one tonight. It will start small this year and police will have a display and information table at the police station at Crossgates Mall, which is on the lower level near Macy’s.

Events are also planned for Cohoes at the Van Schaick Island Park from 5 to 8 p.m.

Free hot dogs and refreshments will be available, along with games and a bouncy bounce for the children. Other events include picnics at West End Park, George Street park Glenn Meadows pool and at Main Street, between White and Howard Street.