Tuesday night will mark the annual National Night Out, a national crime fighting and community partnership event, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. Suffolk leaders hope to once again build upon the relationship between public safety officials and the community.

From events in North Suffolk to those in the southern parts of the city, police and other public safety personnel will join with community leaders in sending a clear message to those pushing crime in this city that it is time to leave.

During the kickoff event at last year’s National Night Out, Commonwealth’s Attorney C. Phillips “Phil” Ferguson set a clear theme for that event.

“We all must let the criminals know that we have all joined together” to fight crime in Suffolk, he said.

It is that relationship — that partnership — that has become crucial in reducing crime in Suffolk. But there is more work left to do.

During the past few weeks, this newspaper has documented criminal acts such as assault, malicious wounding and murder. Break-ins, robberies and firearms charges also have occurred in recent days.

In short, reducing crime in Suffolk is a work in progress, but a job made easier by a solid working relationship between those fighting crime — the police — and the victims of crime — the public.

Just recently, Money magazine bestowed upon the city a ranking within its list of the top 100 small cities to live within the United States. Suffolk has so much going for it in the ways of population and economic growth, and those new neighbors are hoping for a safe and secure home.

Thanks to this partnership between the public and public safety officials, Suffolk has become a much safer and more attractive city to call home.

The importance of this Tuesday night goes far beyond next week. It is an opportunity for Suffolk to shine in the fight against crime.