This document provides an overview of crime prevention basics and strategies. It examines the history of crime prevention from Sir Robert Peel establishing principles of policing in the 19th century to the evolution of proactive, community-focused approaches. The key aspects covered include defining crime prevention, the 10 action principles of prevention, benefits such as cost savings, understanding crime trends, and best practices for home, car, personal and cyber safety. The goal is to help participants understand crime prevention and how to stay safe in different settings.
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NCPC’s Mission
To be the nation’s leader in helping
people keep themselves, their
families, and their communities safe
from crime
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BJA’s Mission
To provide leadership and services in grant
administration and criminal justice policy
development to support local, state, and
tribal justice strategies to achieve safer
communities.
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Goal of This Presentation
To examine the history of crime
prevention and how it has evolved
and give participants tips and best
practices on how to stay safe in a
variety of settings.
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Objectives
Examine the definitions of crime prevention.
Review the history of crime prevention and how
it has adapted over the years.
Differentiate between reactive and proactive
policing.
Discover how to implement the 10 Action
Principles of crime prevention in your
community.
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Objectives (continued)
Learn the benefits of crime prevention.
Learn why examining crime prevention trends
can aid in preventing crime.
List the 4 Ds of crime prevention.
Explore the best practices of crime prevention.
Learn how to gain support from community
stakeholders for crime prevention efforts.
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Traditional Definition ofTraditional Definition of
Crime PreventionCrime Prevention
Crime prevention is the anticipation,Crime prevention is the anticipation,
recognition, and appraisal of a crimerecognition, and appraisal of a crime
risk and the initiation of some actionrisk and the initiation of some action
to remove or reduce it.to remove or reduce it.
Source: National Crime Prevention Institute, 1972
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Crime Prevention RedefinedCrime Prevention Redefined
Crime prevention is a pattern of attitudes andCrime prevention is a pattern of attitudes and
behaviors directed at reducing the threat ofbehaviors directed at reducing the threat of
crime and enhancing the sense of safety andcrime and enhancing the sense of safety and
security, to positively influence the quality ofsecurity, to positively influence the quality of
life in our society, and to developlife in our society, and to develop
environments where crime cannot flourish.environments where crime cannot flourish.
Source: National Crime Prevention Council, 1990Source: National Crime Prevention Council, 1990
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Evolution of Crime Prevention
Sir Robert Peel was
considered to be
the father of law
enforcement.
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Evolution of Crime Prevention
The Metropolitan Act of 1829
“The primary object of an efficient police is
the prevention of crime: The next is that of
detection and punishment of offenders if a
crime is committed.”
Sir Richard Mayne, Metropolitan Police Commissioner
1829–1868
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Sir Robert Peel’s
Nine Principles of Policing
1. The basic mission of the police is to prevent
crime and disorder.
2. The ability of the police to perform their duties is
dependent upon public approval of police
actions.
3. Police must secure the willing cooperation of the
public.
4. The degree of cooperation of the public that can
be secured diminishes proportionally to the
necessity of the use of force.
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5. Police seek and preserve public favor.
6. Police use physical force to the extent
necessary.
7. Police at all times should maintain a
relationship with the public.
8. Police should always direct their actions
strictly toward their functions.
9. The test of police efficiency is the absence
of crime and disorder.
Sir Robert Peel’s
Nine Principles of Policing (continued)
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Historical Developments in
Crime Prevention
In the late 19th
Century and early 20th
Century,
emphasis on prevention decreased.
After World War II, crime prevention experienced
a rebirth in England.
In the 1960s and early 1970s, police agencies
gradually began looking to mechanical
prevention or “target hardening.”
In the mid-1970s to 1990s, focus shifted.
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Crime Prevention Approaches:
Reactive Versus Proactive Policing
Most common activities of a modern police
force are still reactive.
• Police react after a crime has occurred
• Investigation and arrest are the focal points
This traditional approach
• Does not stop crime from occurring
• Does not address the causes of crime
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Crime Prevention is Proactive
Crime prevention is designed to
Examine crime trends
Analyze and work toward positive alternatives
to community and neighborhood conditions
Educate and involve communities in crime
prevention strategies
Create an atmosphere of zero tolerance
toward crime and criminal activity
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Examples of
Proactive Policing
Neighborhood and community watch programs
Security surveys for homes and communities
Having people engrave their property
Encouraging people to register equipment and
maintain logs of all valuables
Having high-quality locks and lighting on
personal property and within communities
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Development of Crime Prevention’s
10 Action Principles
The National Crime Prevention Council’s Crime
Prevention Coalition of America conducted more
than two years of research and discussion.
Twenty-six groups participated in two days of
focus group meetings.
A national roundtable of crime prevention
specialists and researchers was convened.
The steering committee interpreted the
membership’s concerns and shaped them into
major tenets.
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10 Action Principles of Crime
Prevention
Preventing crime is
1. Everyone’s business
2. More than security
3. A responsibility of all levels and agencies
of government
4. Linked with solving social problems
5. Cost-effective
Source: National Crime Prevention Council
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10 Action Principles of Crime
Prevention (continued)
Preventing crime requires
6. A central role in law enforcement
7. Cooperation and collaboration by all
elements of the community
8. Education
9. Tailoring to local needs and conditions
10. Continual testing and improvement
Source: National Crime Prevention Council
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Crime prevention
improves the
quality of life
for every community.
Source: National Crime Prevention Council
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Benefits of Crime Prevention
A revived sense of personal civic responsibility
Greater freedom and security
Increased respect
Increased individual and collective pride in self
and community
Healthier, more interdependent communities
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Benefits of Crime Prevention
(continued)
Engages the community (businesses, elected
officials, organizations, faith community)
Involves stakeholders, who in turn
• Get different groups committed to a program
• Obtain funding
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Benefits of Crime Prevention:
Saves Money
These are some examples of how crime
prevention can save money.
Settles disputes without violence
Prevents juvenile violence
Better street lighting
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Benefits of Crime Prevention:
Saves Money (continued)
Applies Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design (CPTED) principles
• Accessibility
• Surveillance
• Territoriality
• Physical maintenance
• Order maintenance
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The Importance of Crime Trends
Trends change our lives.
In 1982, how would you have called for
emergency road service? Today?
In 1982, how could you get cash out of your
bank in a strange city at 1:00 a.m.? Today?
In 1982, how big was a high-quality personal
music player? Today?
In 1982, how bulky were televisions? Today?
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Recent Crime Trends
Phishing
Cyberbullying
Identity theft
Terrorism
Newer drugs
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Understanding Crime Trends
Helps Us…
Anticipate prevention needs
Learn from the past
Identify and implement future
prevention strategies
Reap the benefits of crime prevention
Serve as effective advocates for crime prevention
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The Four Ds of Crime Prevention
Deny—Entry or the opportunity for crime to occur
Delay—Entry and heighten awareness
Detect—Unlawful entry via devices
Deter—Criminals from committing a crime
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Best Practices in Crime
Prevention
● Home
● Car
● Out and about
● Travel or vacation
● In the neighborhood
● To, from, and at school
● Identity theft
● Cybercrime
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In the Home
The Door
• Make sure you have sturdy,
metal or solid-wood doors at all
entries into your home.
• Install and use well-made
deadbolt locks (1½-inch throw or
greater) on all exterior doors.
• Make sure all exterior doors have
peepholes.
• Light up entry doors.
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Around the house
• Trim the shrubbery around
your doors and windows.
• Install an alarm.
• Give an extra key to a
neighbor you trust.
• Ask a law enforcement
officer for a free home
security survey.
In the Home (continued)
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If You Live in an Apartment or
Condominium
Be cautious around entrances, parking areas,
hallways, stairways, laundry rooms, and other
common areas.
Be sure that your entry door has a deadbolt lock
and a peephole.
Are the mailboxes well-traveled, well-lighted,
and do they have good locks?
Leave music playing or a light on while you are
gone.
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Being Car-Wise
Carjacking
Carjacking is stealing a car by force with a
driver and/or passenger in the vehicle.
While the chances of becoming a victim
are slim, preventive measures can reduce
your risk.
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Being Car-Wise (continued)
What do carjackers look for?
• Intersections controlled by stop lights or signs
• Garages and parking lots for mass transit,
shopping malls, and grocery stores
• Self-serve gas stations and car washes
• Residential driveways and streets as people
get in and out of cars
• Highway exit and entry ramps
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Being Car-Wise (continued)
Getting in
• Walk with a purpose to your car and stay
alert.
• Approach your car with your door key already
in hand.
• Be cautious of people who approach you and
ask for directions or hand out fliers.
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Being Car-Wise (continued)
On the road
• Keep your doors locked and windows rolled
up.
• When you come to a stop, leave enough room
to maneuver around the other cars.
• Drive in the center lane to make it harder for
would-be carjackers to approach the car.
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Being Car-Wise (continued)
On the road (continued)
• Don’t stop to assist a stranger whose car has broken
down. Instead, call for help.
• If you think someone is following you, head for the
nearest brightly lighted area or police station.
• If you are suspicious of an unmarked car with flashing
police lights ordering you to stop, drive to a well-
lighted area with plenty of people before stopping.
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Being Car-Wise (continued)
Getting out
• Always lock the doors and take the keys when
you leave your car.
• Park in well-lit areas, near sidewalks or
walkways.
• Never leave valuables in plain view, even if
the car is locked.
• Always look around before you get out and
stay alert to the surroundings.
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Out and About
Walking or jogging
• As you walk down the street or through the
parking garage, walk alertly and assertively.
• Walk or jog in the middle of the sidewalk
rather than against the doorways or along the
curb.
• Stay alert—iPods and cell phones will distract
you.
• When walking, keep your purse hugged close
to your body and wallets in front pants pocket
or jacket pocket.
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Out and About (continued)
Walking or jogging (continued)
• Walk or jog with a companion.
• Use familiar areas.
• Do not walk or jog after dark or in
secluded areas.
• Be sure to face traffic.
• Wear brightly colored or reflective
clothing to improve visibility.
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Out and About (continued)
Walking or jogging (continued)
• Carry a whistle or shrill alarm to
summon help if needed.
• Vary your route and pattern.
• Always be aware of your
surroundings.
• Walk or jog away from bushes
where someone can hide.
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Out and About (continued)
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
• Try to avoid using ATMs when alone.
• Try to avoid using an ATM after dark.
• When possible, use an ATM inside a
bank or store and be alert before using
it.
• Have all necessary cards and
documents ready.
• Protect your personal identification
number (PIN).
• When your transaction is complete,
leave immediately.
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On Vacation
Before you leave
Place several lights on a timer.
Ask a neighbor or family member to check
your home periodically.
Stop newspaper and mail delivery.
Don’t forget to set your alarm.
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On Vacation (continued)
While traveling
Take only essential credit cards.
Pack as lightly as possible.
Large bags should be shipped in advanced for
extended vacations.
If you purchased something hefty, ask the
merchant to ship it home for you.
Check maps before you go out so you can tour
confidently.
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On Vacation (continued)
Try not to display expensive jewelry, cameras,
bags, or other items that might draw attention.
Stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets at all times;
avoid short-cuts.
Never leave your keys out where they can be
picked up (i.e., poolside, lounge).
Never leave a room unlocked, even to go get ice
or a snack from the vending machine.
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On Vacation (continued)
Make sure everyone in your party—adults,
teens, children—has the name, address, and
phone number of the place you are staying.
Set up rules for each day’s outings on where
and how you’ll link up if you become separated.
Don’t leave valuables in view in the car (your
own or a rental). Leave them in the trunk or,
better still, take them back to your room as soon
as possible.
Leave a photocopy of your wallet’s contents at
home or with a friend.
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In the Neighborhood
Get to know your neighbors.
Start or strengthen your Neighborhood Watch
program.
Look out for each other’s children.
Help those who need a hand in making their
homes more secure.
Involve teenagers in the neighborhood’s safety.
Invite neighbors to work together on all sorts of
community projects.
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In the Neighborhood (continued)
Get involved in your neighborhood and at the
community level.
Find out whether your community has
community policing.
Find out who’s working to help keep kids out of
trouble.
Be a volunteer or mentor.
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School Safety Tips
Check out the route your child takes when going
to school.
Make sure your child travels with others to and
from school.
Tell your child that anything that makes him or
her uncomfortable or suspicious should be
reported immediately to you and to school
officials.
Ask about the safety plan for your child’s school.
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Identity Theft
Don’t give out personal
information over the phone.
Shred all documents,
especially those containing
credit card offers or other
personal information.
Don’t use your mother’s
maiden name as a password.
Minimize the identification
information and the number
of cards you carry.
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Identity Theft (continued)
Don’t carry your Social
Security card, birth
certificate, or passport with
you, unless absolutely
necessary.
Don’t put your telephone
number or Social Security
number on checks.
Pay attention to your billing
cycles.
Obtain a copy of your credit
report twice a year.
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Your Credit Report
You should check your credit report at least
twice a year. The three major credit bureaus are
• Equifax: www.equifax.com
• Trans Union: www.transunion.com
• Experian: www.experian.com
The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to get
one free credit report from each of the credit
bureaus once per year.
• For more information visit
www.annualcreditreport.com
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Be cautious before giving out your
name and personal information to
others online.
Be careful about sending personal
information over the Internet, by email,
or over cellular phones.
Don’t use passwords that are obvious.
Avoid break-ins by changing your
password regularly and memorizing it.
Shop online with companies that you
know.
Look for the “lock” icon on the
webpage.
Cybersafety
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Use a secure browser that will encrypt or
scramble purchase information.
Be cautious before agreeing to meet face-to-
face with someone you’ve met online.
Be careful before responding to messages
from unfamiliar persons.
Look for webpages that have a proper title,
additional resources, or a person that you are
able to contact.
Cybersafety (continued)
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Small Group Activity
Successful Crime Prevention in Your
Community
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NCPC Resources
Public service campaign that focuses on cybersecurity
and -safety
Partners including the Forum to Advance the Mobile
Experience (FAME) and the Chief Marketing Officer
Council (CMO Council)
Download tip sheets and the publication Mind What You
Do Online, report Internet crimes, and visit the security
store
www.bytecrime.org
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NCPC Resources (continued)
Preventing Identity
Theft Consumers
Guide, 2005
Seniors and
Telemarketing Fraud
101, 2006
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NCPC Resources (continued)
Engaging the Power of
Prevention: 10 Action
Principles, 2005
Neighborhood Watch
Needs You, 2006
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NCPC Resources (continued)
The McGruff Files:
Your Inside Look
at Crime
Prevention, 2002
United for a
Stronger America:
Citizens’
Preparedness
Guide, 2002
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NCPC Resources (continued)
TIPS, With Thanks
From McGruff the
Crime Dog®, 2003
Preventing Crime
Saves Money, 2005
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The National Crime Prevention
Council
2345 Crystal Drive
Fifth Floor
Arlington, VA 22202
202-466-6272
FAX 202-296-1356
www.ncpc.org
www.bytecrime.org
Introduce yourself to the participants. Describe your background in this area. Mention that the National Crime Prevention Council, in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, is the creator of this PowerPoint. Refer participants to NCPC’s three websites:
www.ncpc.org – main website
www.bytecrime.org -- cybercrime website
www.mcgruff.org -- website for children
Read and review each objective.
Ask if there are any questions about the material that will be covered during the presentation.
You may want to write a list of expectations for the training and then review this list at the end of the presentation to ensure that participants were satisfied with the information presented. You can add to the list during the presentation. Participants with unanswered questions or requests can be referred to additional resources.
This definition of crime prevention was established by the National Crime Prevention Institute in 1972.
This is the definition of crime prevention established by the National Crime Prevention Council in 1990. Note the difference from the 1972 definition.
As the years have gone by and the definition has changed, more strategies and sound principles give life to the belief that crime prevention can add to the quality of life and improve a community.
Sir Robert Peel was a citizen of England and received his education from Harrow and Oxford. He was eventually asked to be a Member of the British Parliament. It was during his term in Parliament that Peel acknowledged the rising crime statistics and sought to improve the methods of crime prevention. As a result, in 1829 he brought about the Metropolitan Police Act and the first disciplined police force in greater London.
Before this, as Home Secretary in 1822, Peel introduced the Constabulary Act and the Constabulary Police of Ireland was formed. Both of these police forces, the London Metropolitan Police and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, still exist today.
This Act radically changed the way the government dealt with crime. It created the first official police force.
The rest of the quote reads,
“The protection of life and property, the preservation of public tranquility, and the absence of crime will alone prove whether those efforts have been successful and whether the objects for which the police were appointed have been attained.”
This law set a gradual evolving concept in motion that crime prevention is a desirable objective for modern communities.
He developed nine principles of policing that still apply today.
Number 3: The rest of the principle is “in voluntary observance of the law to be able to secure and maintain the respect of the public.”
Below is the completion of the principles on this slide.
Bullet 5: “not by catering to public opinion but by constantly demonstrating absolute impartial service to the law.”
Bullet 6: “to secure observance of the law or to restore order only when the expertise of persuasion, advice, and warning is found to be insufficient.”
Bullet 7: “that gives reality to the historic tradition; the police are public and the public are the police. The police being the only full-time individuals charged with the duties that are incumbent on all of the citizens.”
Bullet 8: “and never appear to usurp the powers of the judiciary.”
Bullet 9: “not the visible evidence of police action in dealing with it.”
Bullet 1: Prevention was overshadowed by a growing emphasis on investigation, arrest, and punishment. This was likely because of the growing impact of criminal activity (such as the rise of gangs, especially on the East Coast). Police officers needed to arm themselves and respond with increasingly punitive strategies that moved further and further away from the prevention tradition.
Bullet 3: Target hardening is seen as a system of prevention where individuals must actually use devices for effective crime prevention, such as locks, door systems, lights, alarms, etc.
Bullet 4: Due to the overwhelming rise in burglaries, the National Sheriff’s Association developed a national Neighborhood Watch program. Since the inception of Neighborhood Watch, the burglary rate has dropped consistently. The success of such programs fueled renewed interest in prevention strategies. Community policing was developed as a strategy for addressing problems in the neighborhood. Public involvement was encouraged, while community-based crime prevention and comprehensive approaches to reduce victimization were initiated as well.
Because of the successes of crime prevention programs, this trend toward prevention-based policing underscores the need to establish standards by which local law enforcement agencies can gauge their crime prevention efforts.
In other words, a crime occurs, someone calls 911, a patrol car is sent. The patrol officer responds to the crime, takes a report, then the detective responds after the report is taken to investigate the offense.
With a more proactive approach to crime prevention, positive steps are taken before a crime occurs, which may prevent the crime from happening.
Educating citizens on crime prevention basics, like the presentation here.
The Crime Prevention Coalition of America is a nonpartisan group of national, state, federal, and community-based organizations committed to taking action to prevent crime. Its members include crime prevention organizations, law enforcement agencies, youth development organizations, Neighborhood and Block Watch groups, city and county government agencies, national organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs of America, National Criminal Justice Association, National District Attorneys Association), federal and state government agencies, and state crime prevention associations. These organizations share the common vision that, by working together, we can create safe and caring communities where every individual is free from crime, the fear of crime, and the costs—physical, emotional, and financial—that crime imposes on us.
The Crime Prevention Coalition of America promotes this message nationwide. Coalition member organizations develop conferences to share cutting-edge information and programming related to prevention; train law enforcement officers, policymakers, and citizens in the principles of prevention; and promote the prevention-first approach to crime.
The 10 Action Principles were published in 2005 and were distributed by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) at the 7th National Conference on Preventing Crime: Silver Successes Golden Opportunities, October 8–11, 2005.
The principles on the following slides have been adopted and used by many crime prevention agencies across the country in addition to the state crime prevention coalitions.
The 10 Action Principles of crime prevention developed by the National Crime Prevention Council and adopted by the Crime Prevention Coalition of America.
The 10 Action Principles of crime prevention developed by the National Crime Prevention Council and adopted by the Crime Prevention Coalition of America.
While the core goal of a crime prevention program is prevention, instituting a crime prevention program benefits a community in other ways as well. Law enforcement and the community can be partners in improving the area.
(Trainer: Go over the remaining points with local emphasis such as successful programs within your own district.)
When every member of a community takes responsibility for eliminating crime from their neighborhoods, their streets will become safer. The important thing to stress is that it is ultimately the responsibility of the community at large. Programs such as Citizen Corps are geared to reach out to those who are ready to take responsibility for safer homes.
Ensure that participants know the definition of stakeholders: private and public organizations and categories or groups of people who will benefit if a crime problem is addressed or who may experience negative consequences if the problem is not addressed.
Some examples of how crime prevention tactics can save money.
Bullet 1: Violence occurs in many forms and usually begins with a disagreement. Often, the parties involved know each other. Victims of murder, rape, robbery, assault, and abuse or neglect can spend over $44 billion annually on property damage, medical care, and mental health care. Many court systems have instituted mediation programs to help resolve some of these issues.
Bullet 2: Mediation programs have proven effective in preventing juvenile violence. Mediators are also often called to work with neighborhood gangs. Additional preventative measures that have proven successful are peer mediation in schools; teen courts; mediation programs and conflict management training for students, teachers, and counselors; and service-learning training and activities.
Bullet 3: Improved street lighting enhances visibility, making it riskier for criminals to act. It also encourages residents and visitors to
use of the area often, which also makes it riskier for criminals to act.
Bullet 1: CPTED principles that can benefit neighborhoods are:
Accessibility—Employs elements like doors, shrubs, fences, and gates to deny admission to a crime target and to create a perception among offenders that there is a risk in selecting targets in this neighborhood.
Surveillance—Utilizes design features to increase the visibility of a property or building. The proper placement and design of windows, lighting, and landscaping allows owners and others who care about the property to observe intruders as well as regular users.
Territoriality—Uses design elements as sidewalks, landscaping, and porches to help distinguish between public and private areas and helps users exhibit signs of “ownership” that send “hands off” messages to would-be offenders.
Physical maintenance—Repair, replacement, and general upkeep. Allows for the continued use of a space for its intended purpose. Serves as an additional expression of ownership.
Order maintenance—Removing undesirable environmental conditions (i.e., graffiti, trash within a park) and enhancing environmental conditions that support safety, order, and comfort.
Ask the participants for responses to these questions. Then do a comparison.
The responses to these questions are:
1982: Drive (or walk) to the nearest phone, wait for police, or a kind stranger to call for help. Today: Use a cell phone.
1982: Although ATMs existed in 1982, these machines weren’t as available as they are today. Bank cards also serve multiple functions and can be used in almost any venue today.
1982: A Walkman made a bulge in most pockets. They even had their own cases. Today: iPods and similar devices sit comfortably in a shirt pocket and crank out excellent sound.
In 1982, a TV with a 20-inch screen generally weighed 120–150 pounds and was awkward to carry, even for two people. Today: A similarly sized flat-screen TV weighs about 60–70 pounds and is far easier to carry (especially by one person). LCD TVs are even lighter and more attractive to criminals.
All of these are good examples of how much change most of us have experienced in the last 25 years. Experts estimate that the rate of change will only increase. You and people in the audience may be able to add good examples.
The 21st century has opened the door to a wide variety of new technologies, advances in medicine, and unique, fast ways to communicate. Unfortunately, with each new development there are people (potential criminals) who try to find ways to turn a positive development into a negative experience. In other words, commit a crime.
Online banking and other e-commerce makes it plausible that banks and similar organizations would communicate with customers by email. Criminals use this ploy to fool customers into providing information.
Cyberbullying is teasing, taunting, rumor mongering, etc. that happens using technology such as email, text messaging, or social networking websites. This form of bullying is disproportionately practiced by teenage girls.
Identity theft is not new. Recent advances in technology make this crime easier to commit and consequently more prevalent.
After the attacks on September 11, 2001, terrorism prevention or homeland security for local communities emerged as an added crime prevention responsibility. Often these mandates come without extra resources and/or the funding needed to make the required changes.
Recent drugs such as
“Date rape drugs,” such as Rohypnol or GHB, are virtually undetectable. They are tasteless, odorless, and colorless and leave the body within 72 hours of ingestion. Date rape drugs can easily be slipped into drinks and food and they act quickly. They render the victim unconscious but responsive with little or no memory of what happened while the drug was active in their system.
Ecstasy or Adam, E, Roll, or X produces intensely pleasurable effects including an enhanced sense of self-confidence and energy. Effects include feelings of peacefulness, acceptance, and empathy. Users say they experience feelings of closeness with others and a desire to touch others. Other effects can include involuntary teeth clenching, a loss of inhibitions, transfixion on sights and sounds, nausea, blurred vision, chills, and/or sweating.
Methamphetamines are drugs that can be easily made using household chemicals. It is an extremely powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system and causes long-term effects to the brain. Meth use dilates the pupils and produces temporary hyperactivity, euphoria, and a sense of increased energy, tremors, and increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and rate of breathing.
Looking at crime trends suggests ways that we can better tap into prevention and promote the value of prevention when responding to changes.
There are many approaches and habits that can be developed to help deter crime and keep you, your family, and your community safe. When thinking about crime prevention, keep in mind the four Ds when instituting a new strategy. The following slides presents tips and best practices for crime prevention in various settings.
Bullet 2: Use security devices such as heavy-duty locks or other devices like motion lights and detectors to prevent a suspect from committing the crime as quickly as possible.
Bullet 3: Use devices at entryways to discover the act upon commission, which can also alert your family and authorities that a crime is in progress, such as an alarms for the doors and windows and window locks.
Bullet 4: Make potential criminals look elsewhere to commit a crime. Posted signs like “Neighborhood Watch” and “Block Watch,” as well as lighting and obviously alert neighbors are warnings to any criminal.
The primary target of entry for most residential burglaries is the door. Following these tips will only help to make your home safer.
Dash 2: Keep in mind that chain locks are primarily a privacy device and should never be relied upon for maximum security. Deadbolt locks are best. Also, most door frames consist of two 2 x 4 boards nailed together. Often the frame of the door is the weakest point. Replacing the screws with longer screws will provide a more solid and secure lock.
Dash 3: The peephole should be accessible to everyone in the home. Install two peepholes at different heights if necessary.
Dash 4: You want to be able to tell who’s there. Motion detector light, flood lights, or similar lighting can brighten up the property.
Remember, if you are expecting a salesperson from a company or a utility employee, he or she should have proper identification.
Dash 1: You don’t want crooks to have a place to hide.
Dash 2: Don’t hide your keys around the outside of your house. Burglars usually look under the door mat or a flower pot.
Bullet 1: Let management know if these areas are not well-lit. If there are light bulbs that need replacing, let management know.
Bullet 2: Request management to put longer screws in the latch plate.
Bullet 3: If not, be cautious when obtaining your mail in the evenings and early mornings.
Bullet 4: It is good to have your light on a timer so that you know your light will automatically come on at a preset time.
Dash 1: When the car is immobile, you can become vulnerable. Be cautious when stopping at a light or stop sign. Make sure your car doors are locked and that your windows are rolled up. Leave enough space between you and the car in front of you. Always look for a possible means of escape.
Dash 2: Garages and parking lots can be vulnerable areas as well. Be sure to have your key ready to unlock the door as soon as you approach your car. Scan the area around your car to be sure nothing strange or out of the ordinary is present.
Dash 3: Be careful when filling up at a gas station. Be sure to lock your doors when leaving your car, to pay the attendant for your gas, or when filling your tank.
Dash 2: If anyone approaches you and makes you nervous, leave and get help.
Dash 3: Trust your instincts. If something makes you feel uneasy, get into the car quickly, lock the doors and windows, and drive away. People approaching with questions may be a tactic used to draw your attention in order to commit a crime.
Dash 1: If it is a hot day and you don’t have air conditioning, at least keep your windows partially up for safety.
Dash 2: If you sense trouble, you may need to drive off in a hurry. This way, you will have room to drive around other cars in order to leave the area.
Dash 1: Call for roadside assistance or let the state police know that a person needs help. This is a safe way to provide help or assistance.
Dash 2: Write down the license number and make and model of the car. Call 911 (or your local emergency number) on your cell phone if you have one, or ask convenience store or gas station personnel to help you.
Dash 3: Don’t speed or drive erratically to escape the unmarked car. Call 911 if you are still suspicious.
Dash 1: One in five cars stolen had the keys in its ignition. Some localities have made leaving a car running unattended against the law.
Dash 2: Avoid parking near dumpsters, woods, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility. Also, if you are parking in a garage, use a garage that has an attendant. Leave only your ignition key with no identification.
Dash 3: This is the most common reason for break-ins.
Dash 4. Trust your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable, drive away.
Dash 1: Try not to weigh yourself down with too many parcels.
Some joggers may have the mistaken idea that because they usually don’t carry large sums of money (if any at all) when they jog that they are not likely candidates to become victims of crime. Unfortunately, this is not true. Joggers must always be aware of their surroundings and take appropriate action to protect themselves.
One of the most serious problems for joggers is not paying attention. They become so preoccupied with jogging and that physical act that they lose touch with what is going on around them. Many joggers use an iPod or a walkman, which makes them lose even more concentration. Being alert and being aware is vital at all times. Many joggers have been victims of
Robbery
Theft
Sexual assault
Assault and battery
If you think you are being followed, try crossing the street, going to the nearest police station (if one is nearby), store (i.e. convenience store), other business or heavily populated and well-lit area.
Dashes 1 and 2: Scan your surroundings before using an ATM. Also choose an ATM that does not have tall bushes nearby. If anything at all makes you feel uncomfortable or anyone looks suspicious, leave immediately.
Dash 4: Have your access cards and any other documents ready when you approach an ATM. Fumbling with a wallet or purse makes you easy prey for a criminal.
Dash 5: A PIN should never be entered if anyone else can see the screen or keypad. Use your body to shield your transaction from onlookers.
Dash 6: Do not stand in front of the machine or to the side to count or display your cash. This is an invitation to criminals.
Bullet 1: Make sure you include both outside and inside lights.
Bullet 3: Having a full mailbox or newspapers gathered at the door alerts criminals that no one is home.
Bullet 1: Plan to use credit cards or travelers’ checks instead of cash whenever possible. Wallets and purses should contain only the bare minimum.
Bullet 2: A money pouch or a “fanny pack” can be worn under clothes.
Bullet 3: Lots of heavy, cumbersome bags will slow a vacationer down and make you more vulnerable to criminals.
Bullet 5: You should feel confident about where you are going. Walk with a purpose and try not to appear vulnerable or lost. A criminal may want to take advantage of that.
Bullet 4: If your wallet is stolen or lost, you then have immediate access to make all of the appropriate phone calls.
The next few slides are safety ideas that can be implemented in communities.
Bullet 1: You and your neighbors are each other’s best defense against crime. Studies show that where neighbors work together, where they know and respect each other, there’s less crime.
Bullet 3: Agree that you all want to reduce drug abuse and violence, especially weapons violence.
Bullet 4: Trim shrubs, help pick up litter, put in a deadbolt lock for a neighbor who is unable to do so. Check on the elderly who live in your neighborhood and help them as well.
Bullet 5: Help to make sure the teenagers have safe, enjoyable places to go and “hang out.”
Bullet 6: Projects like this build a sense of teamwork and competence. Have them plan activities that interest teens (i.e., basketball tournament, block party).
Bullet 1: You may have skills that can help your neighborhood watch program and overall community (i.e., computer skills—You can build a website for your community; writing—develop a community newsletter; organizing—help plan community events).
Bullet 2: Many districts have community policing programs in which police work with targeted communities to help them address crime and its causes by solving problems with local residents.
Bullet 3: Often many churches and neighborhoods have youth centers that have programs for children. You can volunteer, mentor, tutor, and coach children. There are a variety of ways to help out.
All in all, you know your neighborhood best. If something looks strange or out of place, call the authorities.
Bullet 1: Whether walking or biking and whatever your child’s age, you want to become familiar with the route and make sure it’s safe. Check out the school bus or regular bus stop areas if your child uses them. Look for hazardous short cuts that might tempt your child and would take him or her out of public view (i.e., through a wooded area).
Bullet 2: Generally kids in groups are safer.
Bullet 4: How are the local police involved? How are teachers and school staff trained? How are students and parents involved? How are you contacted during an emergency?
These are some tips to keep your personal information safe.
Don’t leave personal papers out around your house. Most identity thefts are done by someone the victim knows.
These are more tips to keep your personal information safe.
Bullet 3: If your bills don’t arrive on time, follow up with the creditors. A missing credit card bill could mean an identity thief has taken over your credit account and changed your address.
Bullet 1: Or obtain a report every 4 months by requesting a report from only one credit bureau at a time.
These are some tips to keep your personal information safe.
Bullet 6: This icon illustrates that the webpage is a secure page.
Bullet 1: Consider faxing your order or paying with a check if you don’t have the proper software.
Protect your computer and your finances by using anti-virus, spam, and spyware software that also provides firewall protection. Keep it up-to-date.
Directions: (Give participants 25 minutes to work.)
Read pages (1–8) down to Cost-Effective Crime Prevention, in the NCPC Topics in Crime Prevention booklet, Preventing Crime Saves Money.
Use the ideas from the booklet as you work on this activity.
Work with the other members of your small group to fill out the worksheet for this activity, selecting the name of a target group you will approach, what resistance they are likely to offer, and some notes about a strategy for working with them.
Use the first row in the table as a sample.
Be prepared to give a brief report to the rest of the class.
Ask each group to give a brief report.
Ensure that the points in the Topic for Crime Prevention are made by at least one of the groups.
Questions and Answers
Don’t forget to ask questions of your participants.
McGruff the Crime Dog® is fighting cybercrime, one of the largest problems facing homes, schools, and businesses today. Led by the National Crime Prevention Council, the CMO Council, and FAME, the campaign brings together some of today’s most influential organizations with a common mission to teach millions of consumers how to identify and protect themselves against threats like computer viruses, worms, spam, spyware, phishing, identity theft, and online predators.
Mind What You Do Online is a free resource that you can download to help you be safe in all of your online activities, whether at school, home, or at work.
Trainer: Add your contact information to this slide.