The mission of the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is to enhance public safety and welfare and create a sense of security in the community through the vigorous enforcement of criminal laws in a just, honest, compassionate, efficient and ethical manner. Our office works with every component of the criminal justice system and the community to protect the innocent, to convict and appropriately punish the guilty and to protect the rights of victims and witnesses.

National Night Out is a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote law enforcement-community partnerships, crime prevention and neighborhood involvement. While this one night is not a total answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make our neighborhoods safer places.

As Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Suffolk, I see both youth and adults in trouble and without values and direction on a daily basis. By coming together and pledging their commitment, it is clearly evident that many of our youth and adults have high hopes not only for their future, but also for the future of their neighborhoods, this city and our nation.

By working together in a spirit of cooperation with all of our citizens, those of us in law enforcement can do a more effective job in carrying out the responsibilities that have been entrusted to us.

C. Phillips “Phil” Ferguson is the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney.