Maryland transit agency police to host 'Night Out' event

The Maryland Transit Administration's (MTA) police force will host an event in Baltimore tonight to mark the 31st annual "National Night Out" crime-prevention awareness campaign organized by the nonprofit National Association of Town Watch.

MTA Police will be on hand to meet and greet the public, answer questions, discuss MTA system safety initiatives and promote the National Night Out effort, MTA officials said in a press release. The events will be held at the Patapsco Avenue light-rail station and at the Rogers Avenue Metro Station on Hayward Avenue.

"The National Night Out event generates support and participation in local anti-crime programs while strengthening neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. It also sends a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back," said MTA Chief of Police Col. John Gavrilis.