Bibb County Sheriff’s Office launches annual ‘Night to Unite’

The event brings neighbors and law enforcement together for crime prevention and youth engagement.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office held its kickoff for the annual “Night to Unite” on Monday, ahead of the full community event scheduled for Tuesday.

The annual event, which actually begins on Tuesday, brings neighbors, deputies, firefighters and local officials together to promote crime prevention and community safety.

United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia William Keyes says finding a solution to reduce crime rates is the goal.

“As the U.S. attorney we’re tasked with prosecution, but the problems that exist in our communities can’t be solved with just prosecution or can’t be solved with just law enforcement,” Keyes said .” It takes the community working with our youth and getting out there coming together and presenting as a united front to solve these complex problems.”

Keyes hopes this encourages people to come forward, and if you see something, say something. Report it to law enforcement.

“I’ll tell you as U.S. attorney, events like this lead to lower crime rates,” Keyes said. “We want fewer cases to have to prosecute. So, this is all about preventing crime so that it doesn’t happen in the first place.”

Bibb County Sheriff David Davis says this night to unite sets great examples for the youth.

“It is a great event,” he said. “Kids get involved, and it’s to show the kids that the adults are concerned about the community and they’re concerned about them also.”

Neighborhood watch groups will celebrate Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. with cookouts, flashlight walks, neighborhood clean-ups, children’s art, story time and more.