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Massachusetts
Flashpoint I and II
The office of Eastern District Attorney Kevin M. choices in their own lives, particularly on the issues
Burke of Massachusetts has developed the of violence and substance abuse. The 12-session
Flashpoint program as a youth crime prevention and curriculum consists of a facilitator guide, participant
intervention strategy. The Flashpoint: Life Skills workbook, and educational video. To fulfill a growing
Through the Lens of Media Literacy curriculum need for more education and prevention strategies
provides at-risk youth with the necessary critical for civil rights violations and other acts of prejudice
thinking and literacy skills to analyze what they see among the court-involved and the general population
and hear in the media. This innovative curriculum of youth, Flashpoint II: Close-Up on Civil Rights was
teaches youth to apply these skills when making developed. This 10-session curriculum teaches
strategies that emphasize the prevention and reduc-
tion of civil rights violations, hate crimes, prejudice,
and stereotyping. Through the Flashpoint curricula,
young people learn hands-on skills for cooling down
and making wise choices during stressful moments
or “flashpoints” as they occur in real life. Flashpoint
also emphasizes the legal consequences and the ethi-
cal and social repercussions of engaging in criminal
behavior. Participants have been able to incorporate
conflict avoidance and impulse control into their
daily behavior. Feedback from professionals who
have used the curricula with groups of youth indi-
cate that the curricula are effective prevention tools
for teachers, juvenile justice professionals, school
resource officers, and social service providers.
Contact
Ruth Budelmann, Director, Juvenile Justice Program
Office of District Attorney Kevin M. Burke
Museum Place, Two East India Square
Salem, MA 01970
Phone: 978-745-6610
Fax: 978-741-4971
Ruth.Budelmann-EAS@state.ma.us
26
Michigan
2,000 for 2000 Mentoring Initiative
In early 1999, Michigan Attorney General Jennifer M. often the first step toward progressively more seri-
Granholm, along with Michigan first lady Michelle ous violations of the law. The 2,000 for 2000 program
Engler, former Detroit Piston Isiah Thomas, and the finds responsible adults to intervene in those chil-
Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan dren’s lives before these violations become more
teamed up to introduce 2,000 for 2000: Michigan’s severe. In each participating county, the program
Mentoring Initiative. The program is designed to collaborates with established mentoring organiza-
recruit 2,000 adult mentors for 2,000 children. This tions like the Boys & Girls Clubs to screen, match,
initiative is rooted in the notion that investing in our and monitor adult mentors. Thus far, more than
youth is more fruitful than investing in more jails 2,800 mentors have been recruited. Though the
and prisons. The program has been introduced in program was originally named 2,000 for 2000, it
eight Michigan counties. In each county, the local continued in 2002 and will likely expand in the
prosecutor, the attorney general, and other local law future. The program is supported by grants from the
enforcement organizations work together to recruit Hudson Webber Foundation, the Skillman
stable adults willing to give two hours each week for Foundation, and the Isiah Thomas Foundation.
one year to mentor a child. Children in the program,
ages seven to 17, have all had “light” contact with Contact
the juvenile justice system and are referred to the Charles List, Program Director
mentoring initiative by the juvenile courts. These Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan
contacts—including chronic truancy, curfew viola- Phone: 517-334-6060, ext 806
tions, and other non-violent minor offenses—are clist@state.mi.us
27
Minnesota
ENABLE
In July 1996, in St. Paul, Minnesota, a business owner tions among new American business owners. Efforts
and his wife were murdered in front of their three include door-to-door patrols where teams of ENABLE
children during a robbery. Three days later, a four- staff and police officers visit business owners in the
year-old girl was killed during a fight between rival target district, implementation of Crime Prevention
gangs. The business owners in the area, most of Through Environmental Design strategies, and work-
whom were new Americans, began discussing clos- shops for business owners explaining the laws and
ing their businesses and leaving the area. Cultural regulations that govern the operation of a business.
distrust of institutions such as banks and law As a result of the ENABLE project, business owners
enforcement officials created an ideal opportunity indicate they feel safer, more connected to their
for criminals—because of their distrust business community, and less isolated. Their relationship
owners were reluctant to report criminal activity to with law enforcement has improved and criminal
police and they often refused to deposit their cash activity is reported to the police more often.
in banks. The ENABLE project (Empowerment of
New American Business Leaders) was created to Contact
address the environment that encouraged criminal Tyler Le, ENABLE Program Coordinator
activity in this St. Paul business district. Following a University UNITED/ENABLE
study of the crime patterns in the area, ENABLE 1600 University Avenue, Suite 9
implemented a plan to educate business leaders, St. Paul, MN 55104
improve police-business relations, increase network- Phone: 651-641-0334
ing and communication among business owners, and Fax: 651-641-0293
dispel distrust of banking and other financial institu- enable@dotplanet.com
28
Mississippi
Crime Prevention Through Alternative Sentencing
In 1998, municipal judges in Jackson, Pearl, offenders receive include anger management
Ridgeland, and other areas throughout Mississippi classes, life-skills courses, a DUI offender program,
sought alternative sentencing programs that would and character development classes. Since the
provide them with additional options for sanctioning program began in Jackson in 1999, over 500 offend-
misdemeanor offenders and reducing recidivism. ers have been through CWI’s programs. Since then,
Court Watch, Inc. (CWI), a private company, the recidivism rate has dropped to an all-time low,
provides such services to 70 courts throughout the over 250 offenders have gained full-time employment
state. CWI assesses offenders’ needs at the initial and/or a GED, and a record 85 percent of offenders
probation meeting, determining the level of supervi- are current with their fines and court cost payments.
sion needed, identifying opportunities for commu- All of this is achieved without any additional work
nity service placement, screening for substance for court personnel.
dependence disorders, planning employment and
educational attainment goals, and outlining the case Contact
management approach for each offender. Offenders Tammy H. Childress, Executive Director
pay CWI for the services rendered and a portion of Court Watch, Inc.
the service fees are returned to victims as restitu- 274 Commerce Park Drive
tion. Payment of the CWI service fees is one of the Ridgeland, MS 39157
conditions upon which probation or a suspended Phone: 601-605-4401, ext. 201
sentence is based. The CWI service fees are imposed Fax: 601-605-4405
by the court in addition to regular court fees and cwatch@netdoor.com
costs. The counseling and other treatment that
29
Missouri
Life or Meth Program
Witnessing an explosion in the number of methamphet- an extraordinarily damaging effect on communities’
amine labs operating in Missouri, local, state, and economic and environmental well being. Recent indica-
federal law enforcement agencies along with schools, tors have shown improvement with the meth problem
health officials, and community groups developed a and program officials believe that they have
partnership to combat meth trafficking, manufacture, contributed to this decrease by raising awareness of
and use in Missouri. During 1998 alone, over 920 clan- this important problem.
destine meth labs were discovered in the state. The
Life or Meth campaign has provided information and Contact
educational resources to the public through PSAs and Office of the United States Attorney
school-based educational materials. This partnership Western District of Missouri
includes a statewide public awareness campaign to Charles Evans Whittaker Courthouse
educate Missourians about the harm associated with 400 East Ninth Street, Fifth Floor
methamphetamine production and use. The campaign Kansas City, MO 64106
focuses on a triple killer theme: it can kill you when Phone: 816-426-4212
you make it; it can kill you when you take it; and it has Fax: 816-426-4210
Montana
Big Brothers Big Sisters High School Mentoring Program
In 1997, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Helena, Montana, confidence, 73 percent had a better attitude toward
began a high school program to match high school school, 59 percent improved relations with their
age mentors with at-risk children between the ages peers, and 40 percent had improved relations with
of five and 12. Teachers, school counselors, and adults. The program also has been successful in
school administrators refer the elementary students helping the high school aged mentors learn how to
who exhibit low self-esteem, demonstrate favorable demonstrate positive social behavior and learn about
attitudes toward drugs and alcohol, and have diffi- volunteerism, responsibility, commitment, and
culty forming positive relationships with adults and community involvement.
their peers. The mentors are interviewed to deter-
mine attitudes toward drugs, alcohol, unwanted Contact
pregnancy, commitment to school, and other youth Theresa Jeremia-Chart
issues. The mentor relationship provides a trusting, Program Director
consistent presence for the young children that Big Brothers Big Sisters
helps foster self-confidence, commitment to school, High School Mentoring Program
and the ability to form positive friendships with 33 Neill Avenue
adults and peers. An evaluation of the program has Helena, MT 59601
shown that of 57 children where a successful match Phone: 406-442-7479
was made, 78 percent demonstrated increased self- Fax: 406-442-013
30
Nebraska
Project Impact: Stopping Gun Violence in Omaha
In 1996, 11 percent of the homicide victims in parole compliance teams, which visit the homes of
Omaha, Nebraska, were between the ages of 15 and individuals currently on probation; a speakers’
18. In 1997, this percentage rose to 18 percent and in bureau, which provides the community with individ-
1998, 35 percent. It was in this climate that Project uals who can discuss the problem and solutions
Impact, based on the Boston Gun Project, was born with the members of the community; and commu-
in 1998. Project Impact is a strategic and data driven nity involvement opportunities where those seeking
approach that unites law enforcement, criminal to change behavior can become involved in positive
justice officials, and community residents to help activities.
stop violence. Designed to offer both accountability
and opportunity, Project Impact applies a combina- Contact
tion of criminal justice and community-based inter- Amy Krueger, Project Impact Coordinator
ventions to reach the chronic offenders causing the U.S. Attorney’s Office
violence in Omaha. Project Impact strategies include 1620 Dodge Street, Suite 1400
notification meetings, during which offenders are Omaha, NE 68102-1506
put on notice to change their behavior and told Phone: 402-221-4774
about support that is available for those who decide Fax: 402-345-1166
to renounce violence; police and probation officer
Nevada
Z2—Zero Weapons/Zero Violence
During the late 1990s, law enforcement officials in assembly, and community forums offer parents,
Clark County, Nevada, recognized the need to be teachers, and administrators necessary resources to
proactive in efforts to prevent gun violence in support school safety efforts. Since Z2 was imple-
schools and in the community. In response to the mented, Clark County School District Police have
rash of school shootings in 1997 and 1998 county- reported approximately a 25 percent decrease in gun
wide, law enforcement dedicated itself to eliminating incidents, while there was a 15 percent increase in
illegal firearms from Clark County school campuses the student population.
and later extended it to include the entire Clark
County community. Law enforcement involved in Z2 Contact
provide information and violence prevention train- BEST Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free Nevada
ing to teachers, students, school administrators, 7235 Bermuda Road, Suite G
parents, and community and business leaders. The Las Vegas, NV 89119
Z2 program hosts school assemblies designed to Phone: 702-385-0684
encourage student participation in school safety. A Fax: 702-614-0400
follow-up curriculum is designed for the classroom zsquared7235@aol.com
to support the messages presented during the
31
New Hampshire
The Earn-It Program
Recognizing that many juvenile offenders do not instituted a program requiring offenders to take
receive sanctions that hold them accountable to help responsibility for their actions. Earn-It is a victim
repair the financial and other damage incurred by restitution program for juvenile offenders. The Keene
their victims, the city of Keene, New Hampshire, has District Court and Juvenile Conference Committee
refer juvenile offenders to the program. The offenders
then must apply to the program and are screened to
determine if the program is right for them. Once
accepted into the program, offenders are provided
with jobs in local businesses or community service
organizations. During the service, a program manager
monitors and reports to the district court and juve-
nile committee on the progress of the program partic-
ipants. The program ensures that restitution is paid
to the victims from a youth’s earnings, while the
youth is allowed to keep one-third of the earnings as
an incentive. Upon completion of the program, the
youth meet with their parents and work supervisors
in an exit interview to discuss the impact of the expe-
rience. To date, 80 percent of all program participants
have not reoffended within one year of their partici-
pation. Additionally, the program has accounted for
over 2,000 hours of community service performed by
the youth and thousands of dollars each year
returned to victims.
Contact
Earn-It Program Manager
Youth Services, City of Keene
3 Washington Street
Keene, NH 03431
Phone: 603-357-9811
Fax: 603-357-9847
32
New Mexico
Picacho Middle School: Community Involvement and Crime Prevention Initiative
The Community Involvement and Crime Prevention Then, the Picacho students visit retirement and nursing
Initiative represents Picacho Middle School’s effort facilities in Las Cruces, NM. Residents of these facilities
to utilize the National Crime Prevention Council’s are treated to singing, entertainment, and crime preven-
Teens, Crime, and Community (TCC) curriculum to tion tips for senior citizens. The kids enjoy acting as
promote more caring communities. When initially teachers, the seniors are very receptive to the visit,
reviewing the TCC curriculum, John Mercer, site crime prevention information is conveyed, and commu-
coordinator, knew the curriculum would be an nity bonds are strengthened.
instant success in surrounding communities.
Already existing school activities provide a way for Contact
the students to serve their community. Each year Ms. John Mercer, TCC Site Coordinator and National Trainer
Jeri Brink and the Picacho Middle School Chorus take Picacho Middle School
their act on the road providing them with the perfect 2700 West Picacho Avenue
opportunity to share crime prevention messages with a Las Cruces, NM 88005
diverse audience. Before hitting the road, students Phone: 505-527-9455
obtain crime prevention information from the National Fax: 505-527-9459
Crime Prevention Council’s Web site (www.ncpc.org). jwmercer@zianet.com
33
N e w Yo r k
Operation Weed and Seed: Bruckner/Castle Hill/Soundview
Painted on the walls of various buildings within the Contact
Bronx communities of Bruckner, Castle Hill, and Felix A. Urrutia, Jr.
Soundview were numerous images and messages Operation Weed and Seed: Bruckner/Castle
glorifying the crimes of a notoriously violent street Hill/Soundview
gang. These images communicated hopelessness 1025 Morrison Avenue, Room B3
and violence to the community until Operation Weed Bronx, NY 10472
and Seed and a group of dedicated teens decided to Phone: 718-861-8570
change the images. Through a partnership with the Fax: 718-861-8569
local U.S. attorney, the Bronx district attorney, the
local police precinct, probation authorities, and the
area’s schools, Operation Weed and Seed secured
the participation of a muralist to transform images
from the area’s children into large murals covering
walls previously smeared with graffiti. The muralist
designed the murals based on the drawings of the
youth in the area, the probation department
arranged to allow probationers to fulfill community
service requirements by painting over the graffiti,
and children—after being trained in the techniques
of mural painting—painted the murals on the same
walls previously filled with depictions of violent
criminal activity. The creation of these murals
symbolically accompanied the U.S. attorney’s crack-
down on the violent gang depicted in the prior graf-
fiti. Not coincidentally, this neighborhood was one of
only three Bronx neighborhoods where the homicide
rate declined in 2000. Though the murals have been
defaced a few times, the community has committed
itself to repair them and make them better. The kids
involved said that they will fix the murals as often as
they have to.
34
North Dakota
AmeriCorps*Vista Community Life Skills Work Program
In Bismarck, Fargo, and Jamestown, North Dakota, probation aftercare programs, and partner with the
the AmeriCorps*Vista and the North Dakota local police department to enhance parole/probation
Department of Corrections’ Division of Field Services supervision. As a result, outreach and educational
are teaming to work with community-based forums have created more positive relationships
response teams of volunteers to develop community between the community and the correctional institu-
policing committees. They hold a strong belief that tion. Ex-offenders are more successfully integrated
we must partner to build safer communities. To this and are less likely to commit crime in the commu-
end they have developed a community policing nity because they have job skills and a better educa-
concept that promotes collaboration, motivation, tion. Correction professionals can devote more
education, and involvement of citizens, community attention to high-risk offenders and more compli-
groups, and agencies to enhance offender supervi- cated cases. AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteers gain an
sion and to provide for safer, healthier communities. appreciation and understanding of the corrections
The response teams oversee and assist with the field and skills in facilitating relationships and
preparation and implementation of the Community providing community service.
Life Skills and Work Program, which teaches viable
job skills and find productive community employ- Contact
ment sites for the unemployed, unskilled, and low- Tim Brehm,
income target population. The community policing Program Director
committees provide an ongoing assessment of AmeriCorps*Vista Community Life Skills Work
community needs and work closely with law enforce- Program
ment officers and community residents in develop- North Dakota Department of Corrections
ing a sense of the character of the neighborhood. In Division of Field Services
addition, VISTA volunteers and probation officers Phone: 701-328-6353
develop parole and probation public service adver- Fax: 701-328-6186
tisements, partner with community/volunteer tbrehm@state.nd.us
groups, develop adult mentoring programs, develop
35
Ohio
Young Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Clubs
In 1989, in response to a growing increase in youth the opportunity to earn points for following club
violence among middle school students, the rules (which they assist in making), respecting them-
Partnership For a Safer Cleveland created the Young selves and others, and working as a team on a
Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Clubs. The clubs are community project. Teachers’ reports noted that
designed to provide at-risk students and their fami- club participants interacted more positively with
lies with the support needed to improve school their peers and were better adjusted at school.
performance and social competence and are geared Group leaders reported gains in students’ pro-social
to prevent students’ involvement in disruptive, behavior and decreases in aggressive behaviors.
aggressive, and violent behavior and to promote Analyses of report card data found statistically
pro-social caring and cooperation. Available to significant improvements in positive classroom
students in grades one through five, separate clubs behaviors (e.g., paying attention and completing
for girls and boys include eight to 12 students and assignments), self-control, and general attachment
an adult group leader. Programs focus on teaching to school. Another significant change was that prob-
conflict resolution, interpersonal skills, positive life- lem behavior for the most aggressive students signif-
long choices, respecting diversity, and encouraging icantly declined.
school engagement. Students learn positive ways to
express themselves through discussion, reading, Contact
writing, drawing, role-playing, singing, and interac- Mike Walker
tive exercises. The group leader encourages parental Partnership for a Safer Cleveland
involvement and acts as a liaison between the 614 West Superior Avenue Suite 1110
parents and the school to improve these relation- Cleveland, OH 44113-1352
ships. In some school districts, the group leader Phone: 216-523-1128
may conduct home visits, telephone interviews, and Fax: 216-523-1823
participate in school conferences to monitor the www.safercleveland.org
student’s progress. Incentive programs give students
36
Oregon
Portland, Oregon’s, Comprehensive Crime Prevention Strategies
Beginning in 1988 and responding to the daily occur- Task Force (YGAT)—responding to a rash of gang-
rence of homicide, drug trafficking, property crime, related activities that brought an increase in youth
and gang violence, the city government, police homicides and an influx of drugs and guns into the
bureau, and community members joined forces to city, the city formed YGAT to track and record youth
change the city’s approach to crime. This commit- gang violence, reduce youth violence in neighbor-
ment to comprehensive crime prevention solutions hood hot spots, and reduce accessibility of guns to
to community problems has led to astounding youth; and the creation of the Office of
results. From 1988 to 1998, Portland has seen a 86 Neighborhood Involvement (ONI)—ONI is one of the
percent decrease in crime and a 63 percent decrease few community-based crime prevention programs in
in violent crime. Through a concerted outreach to the country not led by the local police agency,
the business community, faith community, non- rather ONI is primarily funded by the city to act as a
governmental organizations, and state and federal network and resource center for Portland’s 94 neigh-
agencies, the city developed a community policing borhood associations and over 50 business associa-
working group to help solve community problems. tions providing a crucial link directly to city hall.
The comprehensive working group developed a five-
year strategic plan that has helped the Portland Contact
Police Bureau (PPB) better prioritize and implement Bruce W. Prunk, Assistant Chief
programs that reflect community concerns. Led by Portland Police Bureau
Mayor/Police Commissioner Vera Katz, the city 1111 SW 2nd Street
management, police bureau, business community, Portland, OR 97204
state and federal agencies, residents, and the faith Phone: 503-823-0003
community have united to develop a community- Fax: 503-823-0342
wide response to crime. Examples of initiatives www.portlandpolicebureau.org
stemming from this collaborative partnership
include: the creation of the Asian Family Center to Thao-Oanh Doan
assist newly immigrated Asian families and youth in Asian Family Center
becoming self-sufficient—this unique police-commu- 4424 NE Glisan Street
nity partnership has led the PPB to station a public Portland, OR 97213
safety specialist at the center to assist in coordinat- Phone: 503-823-2073
ing various crime prevention initiatives; the develop- Fax: 503-235-0341
ment and adoption of the Youth Gun Anti-Violence
37
Pennsylvania
Campus/Community Coalitions Reducing Underage and High-Risk Drinking
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), Bureau and other alcohol-related crimes, the PLCB has assisted
of Alcohol Education supports a variety of initiatives in developing coalitions between college campuses and
each year to reduce underage and high-risk drinking. their communities by instituting such strategies as
The PLCB recognizes a strong correlation between alco- providing alternative/alcohol-free entertainment,
hol use and other crimes. To address that correlation, preventing the sale of alcohol to minors, changing local
the PLCB has formed campus/community coalitions attitudes toward drinking, and providing a hotline to
throughout the state. It is estimated that 40 percent of report underage drinking in order to increase liquor law
violent crimes are committed while under the influence enforcement.
of alcohol. This percentage is at least twice as high
when applied to the relationship among college Contact
students, alcohol use, and crime. Each year, communi- Steven L. Schmidt, Director
ties, both on campus and off, are disrupted and vandal- Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
ized by disorderly, intoxicated college students, most of Northwest Office Building, Room 602
whom are under the legal age to consume alcohol. Date Harrisburg, PA 17124
rape, drug use, and simple assault are other crimes Phone: 717-772-1432
common among college student populations and asso- Fax: 717-783-2612
ciated with alcohol consumption. To help combat these RA-Lbeducation@state.pa.us
Rhode Island
Mt. Hope Learning Center
Concerned with the high rate of crime and lack of educational and enrichment opportunities to commu-
resources within the Mt. Hope neighborhood, commu- nity residents. Volunteer educators from the commu-
nity members and the Providence Community Police nity offer basic academic skills, after-school tutoring,
started the Mt. Hope Learning Center (MHLC) to arts and culture activities, technology classes, life-skills
address community needs in a comprehensive fashion. training, mentoring, and service learning opportunities
The Mt. Hope community in Providence, Rhode Island, to children, youth, and elders living in the community.
struggles with afflictions common to many low-income The majority of volunteer-educators live in the commu-
urban areas, including substance abuse, criminal activ- nity. Classes are offered during the most critical hours
ity, and diminished economic prospects for its resi- including afternoon, early evening, and some weekends.
dents. The Providence Police Department reports that
crime statistics in the Mt. Hope area exceed those of Contact
many cities and towns in the state. Conservative esti- Stephanie McCaffrey, Executive Director
mates indicate a dropout rate of 40 percent at the local Mt. Hope Learning Center
high school. The majority of Mt. Hope residents do not 140 Cypress Street
have access to educational and technical resources, Providence, RI 02906
such as after-school tutoring, computer labs, or special- Phone: 401-455-8875
ized enrichment opportunities. MHLC is a grass roots, Fax: 401-222-4987
community-based, volunteer organization that offers SCMMHLC@Home.com
38
South Carolina
The Police Homeowner Loan Program
In Columbia, South Carolina, the police department renewal of community bonds. As crime declines,
and the city created the Police Homeowner Loan residents develop stronger relationships with their
program. Created in 1990, the program is designed neighbors and they develop a stronger sense of
to encourage police officers to buy homes in need of community.
repair within low-to-moderate income neighbor-
hoods in Columbia. The city hopes to prevent crime Contact
and reverse neighborhood decay by having police Eric Cassell, Senior Loan Officer
officers move into such communities. To pay the Community Development Department
purchase price and the cost of repairs, participating City of Columbia
officers get a four percent, 20-year loan. The benefits Box 147
of having an officer next door are numerous. Crime Columbia, SC 29217
rates decline in neighborhoods when a police officer Phone: 803-988-8061
moves in, and property values increase. Residents in Fax: 803-988-8014
participating neighborhoods are experiencing a evcassell@columbiasc.net
South Dakota
The Multicultural Center of Sioux Falls Crime Prevention Program
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has experienced a tremen- students interact with city and county officials to learn
dous increase in immigrant and refugee populations in the laws and norms of the community and participate
recent years. The previously homogenous community in alcohol and drug prevention activities. Over the past
has witnessed a 368 percent increase in ethnic and three years, 65 percent of participants have experi-
minority populations. In response to these changing enced better communication and dialog with local law
demographics, the Multicultural Center was founded in enforcement. Law enforcement officials report a signifi-
1997. The center’s mission is to provide opportunities cant decrease in negative interactions with members of
for all people to learn, celebrate, and share through the various ethnic communities. Non-verbal and verbal
cultural experiences. The center works in cooperation communication has improved as each group has
with local government and law enforcement personnel become aware of the cultural experiences of the other.
to offer crime prevention training to the community. A
crime prevention task force meets regularly with Contact
members of a variety of ethnic groups. The task force Qadir Aware, Executive Director
provides an orientation designed to educate the ethnic Multi-Cultural Center
communities about the basic laws and norms of the 515 North Main Avenue
area, legal issues, underage alcohol consumption, statu- Sioux Falls, SD 57104
tory rape laws, sexual harassment, legal aid services, Phone: 605-367-7400
and gang information. The center also holds Ethnic Fax: 605-367-7404
Youth Day, during which area high school minority mccsf@msn.com
39
Tennessee
Youth Council, Advisory Board, and Academy
The Knoxville Police Department youth program is week summer camp that allows Knox County youth
designed to improve the quality of life in neighbor- to have positive interaction with police officers. The
hoods by fostering partnerships between youth and Knoxville Police Department has developed partner-
police officers. The program consists of youth coun- ships with AmeriCorps, the Southeastern Community
cils, a youth advisory board, and a youth academy. Oriented Policing Education, and the Metropolitan
The youth councils are established in high schools Drug Commission to help meet the goals and objec-
and focus on such topics as volunteer community- tives of its youth program.
service, conflict resolution, anger management, and
drug and alcohol abuse prevention. The councils are Contact
open to all students, but at-risk youth are especially John O’Connor
encouraged to participate. The youth advisory board Knoxville Police Department Youth Program
members raise money to award to worthy youth Safety Education Unit
development programs and activities. The board PO Box 3610
meets monthly to organize future events. In March Knoxville, TN 37927
2000, the youth advisory board awarded over $12,000 Phone: 865-215-7299
in grant monies to 14 community youth groups for Fax: 865-215-7482
their service projects. The youth academy is a one-
Texas
Value-based Violence Prevention Initiative
To address the large number of young ex-offenders life skills building retreat. The program centers on a
with substance abuse problems and to fix the discon- spiritually based boot camp involving intensive exer-
nection between important job-readiness services cise, community service efforts, non-denominational
and substance abuse treatment programs, the San spiritual service, life skills training, and work ethic
Antonio Fighting Back of the United Way developed and job readiness training. The individual and family
the Value-based Violence Prevention Initiative. The counseling services follow the program participants
initiative brings together a faith-based organization, a after they complete the boot camp. The program
citywide job-training program, a substance abuse began in 1999 and 118 individuals have completed it.
treatment and family counseling service provider, and Of that number, only 16 percent have re-offended.
local law enforcement and probation officers.
Contact
Participants in the program are recruited through the San Antonio Fighting Back
County Probation Office and their participation in the 2803 East Commerce Street
program is included as a condition of their probation. San Antonio, TX 78203
Youth selected for the program benefit by receiving a Phone: 210-271-7232
variety of services from the many partners. In addi- Fax: 210-228-0288
tion, a group of judges serves as mentors and hosts a
40
Utah
Crime Prevention Strategy for High-Risk Teens
In the mid-nineties, Salt Lake City, UT, school of club facilities. In addition, club staff members
district’s alternative education program needed to work with individual students to educate them about
address two problems: the downtown Salt Lake’s the clubs’ mainstream programs. The clubs have
central alternative education facility was over- been particularly successful attracting these youth to
crowded; and alternative education students were career development programs such as Leaders in
attending school fewer hours per day and being Training and Job Ready. As a result of this partner-
released into the community in the early afternoon ship, alternative education students are provided the
without support opportunities available in the public “safety-net” of relationships with club staff and
school setting (e.g., sports, drama, clubs). These opportunities for structured after-school activities—
problems were contributing to increases in youth both factors in preventing juvenile crime.
crime rates. The school district and the Boys & Girls
Clubs of Greater Salt Lake created a partnership to Contact
resolve these problems. Three club facilities located Mr. Jim Jensen, Executive Director
within district boundaries became host-sites for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake
alternative junior high and high school classrooms. 675 East 2100 South, Suite 270
The school district provides certified teachers and Salt Lake City, UT 84106
classroom materials for the school hours of 8:30 a.m. Phone: 801-322-4411
to 2:00 p.m. The Boys & Girls Clubs provide on-site Fax: 801-322-4435
club staff to facilitate the secure and supervised use
41
Ve r m o n t
Reparative Probation
In response to sharp increases in its prison population, include securing the victim as the center of the repara-
Vermont’s Department of Corrections created repara- tive process, providing a forum and opportunity for the
tive probation. This type of probation involves the offender to make repairs to both the victims and the
community in the criminal justice system. It is called community, and improving the process of reintegration
reparative probation because it provides offenders the into the community following conviction. The repara-
opportunity to repair the damage caused by their tive probation program has reduced recidivism in
crimes. As part of the program, community boards Vermont by 28 percent with 85 percent of the offenders
make decisions regarding first-time and nonviolent who complete the program remaining crime-free.
criminal offenders from their community who have
been convicted and sentenced to a reparative board by Contact
a judge. The reparative board meets with the offenders Vermont Department of Corrections
and their victims to resolve disputes and provide an 103 South Main Street
opportunity for offenders to apologize to their victim Waterbury, VT 05676
and make amends to their community. The reparative Phone: 802-241-2276
probation system exhibits three crucial benefits which Fax: 802-241-2565
Virginia
Certified Crime Prevention Community Program
In April 2000, Virginia Attorney General Mark L. Earley mented support of Watches; access to a victim/witness
announced a new initiative entitled the Certified Crime services program; and a delinquency prevention program
Prevention Community program. The goal of this targeting at-risk youth. The programs proffered by DCJS for
program is to publicly recognize and certify localities consideration as optional elements range from mentoring
that have implemented a defined set of community programs to domestic violence response programs to
safety strategies as part of a comprehensive community school-based drug prevention programs to corrections
crime prevention and safety effort. Certification under programs. Localities must provide a written summary of
this program provides a great marketing opportunity for each program submitted to meet a core program element
localities and enhances the professionalism of city and or optional program element. Since August 2000, DCJS has
county management and providers of community safety received 28 requests from Virginia localities to enroll in the
services at the local level. Localities participating in the program. Additionally, several states have expressed inter-
program get preference in the state criminal justice grant est in the program, including Colorado, Florida, California,
application process. To obtain the certification, a locality and Minnesota.
must meet 12 core community safety elements or strate-
gies augmented by a minimum of seven approved Contact
optional elements either proffered by the locality or Doug Smith
selected from a list provided by the Virginia Department Department of Criminal Justice Services
of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Examples of the core 805 East Broad Street, Tenth Floor
elements include development of a local community Richmond, VA 23219
crime prevention/community safety council or coalition; Phone: 804-786-9469
a Neighborhood Watch program with training and docu- Fax: 804-371-0894
42
Washington
The Community Action Partnership: Developing a Safer Neighborhood
For many decades, the residents and merchants of department’s west precinct and the Seattle
Seattle’s Chinatown international district, compris- Chinatown-International District Preservation and
ing 25 Asian-Pacific Island cultures, suffered a Development Authority—dubbed their CSI alliance
persistent and significant violence, theft, and street the community action partnership. CSI has had a
disorder. There was also an historic reluctance to groundbreaking impact in Seattle. Importantly, this
summon or cooperate with the local police for crime progress has been made without deploying more
prevention. In 1996, neighborhood leaders and the police or more community developers but simply by
Seattle Police Department decided to become one of working “smarter” and more collaboratively and by
the first test sites of a far-reaching national program benefiting from best practices gathered from around
called the Community Safety Initiative (CSI). CSI was the country. Among the documented results are a
founded on a simple, powerful insight: sustained, crime reduction of 39 percent in the target neighbor-
innovative, and mutually respectful strategic hood compared to 9 percent citywide and replace-
alliances between local police officers and local ment of crime hot spots with community-affirming
grass-roots community economic development and commerce-enhancing developments. For exam-
corporations could accomplish a depth of culturally ple, a massive transient camp under an interstate
appropriate “weeding and seeding” of neighbor- highway overpass, which for years harbored many
hoods that neither could accomplish acting alone. In violent fugitives and was an active drug market, has
this site, the key local participants—the police been replaced by a block-long, multi-million dollar,
residential and retail building; and a Karaoke club
that attracted gangs and related violence was
remodeled and transformed into a much more popu-
lar Asian restaurant that employs local residents and
has not attracted criminal activity. For the first time
in a generation, elderly residents can use their local
parks to play Chinese chess and practice Tai-Ch’i.
The police-community relationship continues to be
manifest in many practical, crime-fighting and
community development ways.
Contact
Community Action Partnership
409 Maynard Avenue South, Suite P1-B
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-621-1815
CAP@scidpda.org
43
West Virginia
Weed and Seed Community and Business
Partnership To Prevent Crime
The O.N.E. Wheeling Weed and Seed program, the
Wheeling Police Department, and the Ormet
Corporation have combined resources to prevent
crime in the Wheeling, West Virginia, Weed and Seed
site. Through the generosity of Ormet Corporation,
which donated four new bicycles to the Wheeling
Police Department, the Weed and Seed program
launched a bicycle patrol to increase the safety of
the community. Police Chief Joseph Petri believes
the bikes have worked out well so far because police
officers are more visible and accessible to the
community. Approximately 35 police officers volun-
teered for the bicycle patrol after the O.N.E.
Wheeling Weed and Seed board of directors pledged
$11,600 to purchase additional equipment and
uniforms. John M. Rowan, the Weed and Seed site’s
executive director, said that the combination of
community and business resources in this manner
furthers the goal of enhancing the relations between
the community and law enforcement.
Contact
O.N.E. Wheeling Weed and Seed
87 Fifteenth Street, Room 415
Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone: 304-233-5900 ext. 4402
Fax: 304-233-5837
jrowan@northern.wvnet.edu
44
Wisconsin
Youth Subculture Training
Faced with growing youth subculture groups, including white
supremacy groups/gangs, street gangs, occult groups, cults, and ravers
and the drug and alcohol abuse that generally accompanies these
activities, the Madison, Wisconsin, Police Department and a private
nonprofit organization, Project HUGS, combined resources to provide
training on how to spot and work with these groups. Youth subculture
groups often recruit young people by befriending those who need
protection from teasing or other intimidation and then introducing
these youth to fringe belief systems that employ drug use to
“enhance” the experiences of these young people. The police depart-
ment and nonprofit organization formed a partnership to provide
current information on subculture groups to professionals who work
with youth. They have provided training statewide in order to help
practitioners identify youth involved in these fringe activities, under-
stand the belief systems so as to facilitate communication with these
youth, and provide information on appropriate and effective ways to
intervene with the young people. Project HUGS is housed in a area
high school in order to ensure access to the rapidly changing youth
subculture trends and to provide a ready means of intervention. The
training and program has improved the skills of law enforcement offi-
cers, school personnel, parents, and youth-service professionals and
has made them better able to identify, understand, and intervene with
these trouble youth.
Contact
Sandy Lampe, Administrative Director
Project HUGS
2222 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 608-845-6140
slampe@merr.com
45
Wyoming
Crimebusters
The Crimebusters program, conducted in each of drinkers and drug abusers and has given presenta-
Wyoming’s three Boys & Girls Clubs, features guest tions on the legal consequences of drinking as well
speakers who present topics from their fields of as the short-term and chronic effects of alcohol use.
expertise, as well as topics that are relevant to Local law enforcement officers also participate,
current crime trends in the community. Speakers speaking about various topics. Presentation time is
include Juvenile Court Judge Hunter Patrick who tailored to keep the kids’ attention and allow ample
discusses the serious nature of crimes that bring time for questions and answers. Mr. Robertson is
kids through juvenile court, as well as the special pleased to report that to his knowledge no member
services available to children through this court. of his club has been picked up for shoplifting.
One local Department of Family Services staff
member gave a presentation about what constitutes Contact
inappropriate touching or inappropriate discussion Mr. Jacques Robertson, Executive Director
and where to go to get help in these situations. Boys & Girls Clubs of Park County, Wyoming
Jacques Robertson, director of youth services and PO Box 2363
executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Park Cody, WY 82414
County, teaches a shoplifting impact course to Phone: 307-527-7871
youthful offenders and to club members. A circuit Fax: 307-527-5288
court judge deals with a high number of underage
46
Conclusion
Given the energy and commitment of the individuals Crime Prevention Coalition of America, a national
and organizations highlighted in this document we crime prevention movement will develop. The fruit of
should not be surprised that crime continues its this movement will be that prevention becomes the
decline. The Crime Prevention Coalition of America natural policy solution to the problems of crime,
has taken this good news not as a reason to relax violence, and substance abuse.
but rather as an indication of what might happen if
we redouble our efforts. The Coalition has therefore Crime prevention is a morally, fiscally, and civically
issued a challenge to the nation—become part of a responsible approach to the problems caused by
national movement to prevent crime, violence, and crime—morally responsible because it prevents crime
drug abuse. To support this movement and to help it before a criminal victimizes a person, fiscally respon-
change the way the nation responds to crime, the sible because preventing crime is more cost effective
Coalition is taking dramatic steps to support and than punishing criminals or attempting to repair the
enhance the efforts of crime prevention practition- damage caused by crime, and civically responsible
ers across the country. The Coalition has expanded because it helps to build communities that do not
its membership to allow community, neighborhood, produce crime.
municipal, and county agencies and organizations to
join in this effort and benefit from membership in a To an even greater extent than is described in this
national movement. Hopefully, after reading this report, the crime prevention initiatives underway in
document you have gained an understanding of the states and communities across the nation are many
current state of prevention and where our move- and varied. From national organizations, to state
ment must go to truly build safer, more caring agencies and associations, to local community
communities nationwide. groups, Crime Prevention Coalition of America
members are taking action to improve the quality of
The preceding program briefs cannot conclusively life for themselves and their neighbors. This national
document all of the innovative and effective preven- crime prevention movement is growing stronger each
tion efforts going on around the country. Any effort to day. The Crime Prevention Coalition of America is
do so would be fruitless. What the Crime Prevention proud to be at the forefront of this effort.
Coalition of America has provided is a snapshot of
prevention programming so that the reader can gain a We invite you and your organization to join this
flavor for the state of crime prevention in America. national crime prevention movement. Help make
your community a safer, more caring place in which
The Crime Prevention Coalition of America thanks the to live. To join the Crime Prevention Coalition of
many dedicated law enforcement officials, community America, simply complete the brief application on
leaders, state officials, youth service providers, and page 48 and submit it with your dues payment. If
local policy makers who dedicate time, energy, and you have any questions about Coalition member-
resources to creating safer, more caring communities. ship, please call 202-466-6272 and ask for Coalition
We are confident that through the focused efforts of Member Services.
these individuals and under the leadership of the
47
Membership Application
General Information
State and National Members • Annual
Dues; $100
ORGANIZATION
FEDERAL AGENCIES Operate as part of the federal
government. The application must be submitted by REPRESENTATIVES NAME
the director of the department, bureau, agency, or
office seeking membership.
ADDRESS
STATE AND NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZA-
TIONS State crime prevention organizations or
CITY STATE ZIP
national nonprofit organizations. Approximate
number of Members: ______________
TELEPHONE
STATE OR INDIAN RESERVATION GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES The application must be submitted by
FAX
the director of the department, bureau, agency or
office seeking membership.
EMAIL URL
Affiliate Members • Annual Dues: $50 Organizational Information: use a separate page
COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS Crime preven- 1. What is the mission of your organization?
tion organizations, municipalities, county govern-
mental bodies, neighborhood organizations, police 2. Describe your organization’s activities,
departments, state nonprofit organizations, etc. programs, and initiatives relevant to crime
prevention.
Years involved in crime, violence, or substance
abuse prevention: ______________ 3. What resources, skills, or services of your organ-
ization would be of benefit to other coalition
members?
Associate Members —
We are pleased to commit our organization as a
Donation of significant in-kind or financial resources member of the Crime Prevention Coalition or
Types of financial or in-kind resources offered: America. We want to participate with other member
________________________________________________ groups to develop and implement programs/initia-
tives relevant to the prevention of crime.
________________________________________________
________________________________________________ SIGNATURE OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DATE
48
National Crime Prevention Council
1000 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Thirteenth Floor
Washington, DC 20036-5325
202-466-6272
www.ncpc.org
www.crimepreventcoalition.org
ISBN 1-929888-11-2
