Prevention Works

Can Anti-Bullying Safeguards Go Too Far?

Last week we spoke about implementing anti-bullying programs in our schools and addressed some challenges around making those programs a success. Sometimes implementing a bullying prevention program requires the support of the school board, Department of Education, and even the state legislation before it can achieve the desired results of the program. In 2010, New Jersey passed the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act to update its bullying prevention legislation from 2002. Partially inspired by many high-profile youth suicides as a result of bullying, including that of Rutgers freshman Tyler Clementi, the Bill of Rights quickly gained notoriety as being the strictest anti-bullying law in the United States. Taking any measures to protect our students against bullying and aggression is a good thing, right? Some educators and administrators disagree, saying that the legislation has gone too far.

Cons to the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act

            The new legislation includes a lengthy list of additional requirements for schools. Educators and other school staff must report any instances of bullying known to them, on or off campus, if the incidences cause disruption with school operation; failure to comply will result in disciplinary action. Strict timelines were instated for reporting incidents to the principal, who then has a deadline to address and resolve the issue. Another challenge with reporting is determining if an altercation is bullying or a conflict. Inability to distinguish the two may result in additional reports that must be completed. Time used to focus on bullying identification, reporting, and resolution takes away from other issues with which students need assistance.

 An initial concern with implementing the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights in schools was the financial burden associated with it. Schools are required to attend trainings and create programs, but were not provided additional funding to support these efforts. In March 2012, Governor Christie remedied the problem by amending the legislation to include $1 million dollars for grant funding in the Bullying Prevention Fund. Grants will be distributed to local school districts that have exhausted all other free training options. How much additional work will be required for districts to examine and exhaust free training options?  While the grants will help take the financial burdens off of school districts, will it be enough? Is $1 million dollars enough to spread across all the school districts in the state? Only time and experience can give us the answers we’re looking for.

Pros to the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act

            Implementation of any new program takes time, money, and adjustment to change. The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act requires schools to take measures against bullying that prior to the law, may have just been a dream. Financial decisions on how to use money in a limited budget can leave desired programs and trainings by the wayside. Now trainings to keep all school educators and staff abreast of bullying prevention techniques are mandatory. Parental involvement in school activities has always been a challenge for schools, but now in compliance with the new law, schools must create and implement a safety team of parents and school staff to investigate reported incidences. Data isn’t available yet on the effects of the law, making it hard to determine if it will have a positive impact on school climate and bullying incidences. For now we can take comfort that New Jersey schools are combating bullying with full force.

In December 2011, the New Jersey Department of Education released a guidebook on the legislation, discussing the expectations and requirements of the law and how to implement it in your school. If you think that your school could benefit from having the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights implemented, click here to learn how to start that process.

For more information on bullying prevention and available resources to support your efforts, sign up today for the FREE professional development webinar for educators presented by the School Improvement Network, Bullying: Understanding the Problem, Defining Solutions on May 30th 2012, 3:00pm with Robin Young of the National Crime Prevention Council.

Click here to register for the FREE webinar: http://www.instantpresenter.com/AccountManager/RegEv.aspx?PIID=EA57D783884f

Overcoming the Challenges Faced in Implementing

Bullying Prevention Programs in Schools

Bullying has become a critical issue among schools everywhere. As educators attempt to get a handle on the growing concern, many attempt to implement bullying prevention programs on school grounds.  However, the implementation of such programs is often met with a number of obstacles, including student participation, funding, and deciding what’s the right program for your school and students. Yet, as we move toward developing comprehensive bullying prevention practices, there are a few key strategies that we should all keep in mind.

Finding the right program

Creating a program that addresses your school’s unique concerns is of vital importance. The first step in doing so is to conduct a two-tiered assessment process that will guide the development of bullying prevention strategies. The first tier should involve surveys that reveal information about the school’s social climate, while the second should identify flaws in security equipment and procedures. Development of any action plan designed to address bullying should always begin with an assessment. We can’t solve the problem, until we define it.

Student participation

Student participation is critical to the successful implementation of any bullying prevention program. It is important that students feel empowered and engaged in the action planning process and that they share the responsibility for creating environments in which they can learn and thrive. Getting students involved and excited about taking part in a bullying prevention program will ensure that the program works to its full potential and that they can identify and address concerns that are most important to them.

Keeping it a priority

Maintaining a program’s importance after the excitement has settled is a major challenge that schools may face. Periodically updating a program with new ideas and incentives can help keep up the momentum and excitement for both students and educators. Whether a program is structured or unstructured, school leaders can find different ways to keep the program relevant. From creating a poster contest to structuring an assembly focused on bullying, be creative in your efforts to keep students motivated toward bullying prevention.

Creating an open environment

Overcoming the unspoken rule among students of “no snitching” may stop even the most successful bullying prevention program in its tracks. Bullying is a tough issue to face, so it is important to create an open environment where students can express their feelings and concerns in a confidential and comfortable environment. All teachers and administrators should be well educated on the topic of bullying and be prepared to assist students in successfully putting a stop to bullying. Giving students realistic tips and advice is an important step toward bullying prevention. When students feel that a strategy actually works, they are more likely to use that strategy again and again.

For more information on bullying prevention and available resources to support your efforts, sign up today for the FREE Professional Development Webinar for Educators presented by the School Improvement Network; Bullying: Understanding the Problem, Defining Solutions on May 30^th 2012, 3:00pm with Robin Young of the National Crime Prevention Council.  

Click here to register for the FREE webinar: http://www.instantpresenter.com/AccountManager/RegEv.aspx?PIID=EA57D783884f

Swindled Seniors - One of America’s Biggest Secrets

Senior Fraud Remains Highest Underreported Crime

Older Americans Month is celebrated each May to honor and recognize the elderly for the contributions they make to our families, communities and society. Unfortunately, recent statistics show that the elderly still remain a particularly vulnerable population  faced with mounting health problems and dwindling financial resources.  The golden years aren’t serving as valuable time spent with loved ones and friends. According to a Harris Interactive survey of 62 senior citizens, 80 percent of seniors were concerned about falling victim to some type of financial fraud.  The last thing seniors need to worry about is their physical or financial security.  Yet, the reality remains—seniors are far more likely to become victims of financial fraud than they are of violent crime.

According to www.fbi.gov, senior citizens are most likely to have a “nest egg,” to own their home, and to have excellent credit. Unfortunately, that has made them targets for heartless swindlers who often prey on their needs and dreams, even depleting their hard-earned life savings.  These con artists are creative and deceptive, especially now more than ever with the use of today’s fast and innovative hi-tech gadgets.

 NCPC offers tips for seniors to help them stay safe

• Never give out a credit card number or social security number to anyone who has called you
• Beware of people with stock tips, “sure thing” investment opportunities and similar “secret” ways to make you rich
• Never let anyone rush you into signing documents
• Take time to review and get advice on insurance policies, sales agreements, and contracts of any kind

Senior fraud remains one of the most underreported crimes in the country and has become difficult to both track and examine.  Once defrauded, many seniors feel ashamed and embarrassed, thinking they should have known better and may even withdraw from loved ones. Unfortunately, the result in many cases is that they decide not to tell anyone, especially their adult children or their local law enforcement officer.
 
NCPC can help educate and empower our senior members of the community, and help contribute to their overall physical and financial safety.  The last worry for them should be the possibility of becoming a victim of senior fraud.

We invite you to share your success stories. What are you doing to help keep seniors safe and increase their quality of life in your community?  Visit www.ncpc.org for additional resources and useful tips on preventing crimes against seniors.

Volunteers in Police Service: Celebrating a Decade of Service

The Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program is pleased to announce that we will celebrate our 10^th anniversary this May!

The VIPS program was started as a part of USA Freedom Corps, initiated by President George W. Bush, to build on the countless acts of service, sacrifice, and generosity that followed September 11^th. With the support of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the International Association of Chiefs of Police launched the VIPS program in May of 2002

One core element of the VIPS website, www.policevolunteers.org, is the program database both for individuals looking to volunteer and for volunteer managers looking for new ideas. In its first month of existence, the database contained 74 registered programs in 29 states. Today there are more than 2,250 programs with 252,000 volunteers representing all 50 states and 19 international locations. In the last year, VIPS volunteers contributed more than 2 billion hours of volunteer service.

In recognition of our milestone year, we have set a goal to register 200 new programs during 2012. By offering a more comprehensive database of VIPS programs, we will present a more accurate and complete picture of law enforcement volunteerism and effectively direct potential volunteers to programs that fit their needs. You can help us by reaching out to your local law enforcement agency and encouraging them to register their program on the VIPS website.

Over the past 10 years, the roles volunteers play in law enforcement have expanded significantly. Volunteers support all types of law enforcement work from community events to investigations. Here are just a few examples:

• Pasadena, California, Police Department volunteers assisted more than 800 victims of identity theft in the last year.
• Numerous theft and drug arrests have been made thanks to Rolla, Missouri, Police Department volunteers’ work on tracking pawn tickets and purchases of methamphetamine ingredients.
• A volunteer with the Aurora, Colorado, Police Department has submitted 35 composite sketches to detectives, the first of which led officers to arrest a suspect charged with robbery and kidnapping within two weeks.

Read more about the many innovative ways law enforcement agencies engage volunteers to keep communities safe in Volunteers in Police Service Add Value While Budgets Decrease.

 To learn more about volunteering with law enforcement and to find opportunities in your area, visit www.policevolunteers.org.

Impact of Gang Violence on Businesses and Communities

Many people across the United States understand gang violence or have been victimized by gang violence and activity in their neighborhoods and communities, but what is the effect on gangs and gang violence on business owners?

Gang violence is a critical social and economic issue and it extracts a high toll on the general public, as well as the business community. For example, in the city of Los Angeles alone, there are over 400 gangs with more than 39,000 members, according to the Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles.  Imagine the effects that gang activity and violence has on the businesses where the gangs reside, and the impact it has on both potential investors and customers that patronize these businesses.  Small businesses lose customers, which results in the loss of revenue, loss of funds due to theft, graffiti clean-up, and business restoration. If a gang decides to claim a territory as its own, this often puts fear into current and potential customers and prevents them from patronizing the business.

In addition to all the other negative effects of youth joining gangs, young people who become gang members are an economic burden to society. The cost of incarcerating gang members actually exceeds annual expenses at top private universities, which can total about $60,000 per student for tuition, room, and board. A modern estimate is that nearly 600,000 adult inmates arrive on the doorsteps of communities throughout the country each year (Petersilia, 2003, p. 3). More people are leaving prison today than at any other time in history, and many lack preparation for life on the outside, according to Petersilia’s study. Communities and businesses must redirect their resources to provide training for youth, so that gang members move from being institutionalized criminals of society, to college graduates and taxpayers of which we can be proud.  A great example of this is Homeboy Industries. Homeboy Industries assists at-risk and former gang-involved youth to become positive and contributing members of society through job placement, training, and education (http://homeboy-industries.org). Gang-involved youth can transform from damaging the businesses in their neighborhoods, to one day perhaps owning one.  

Another often overlooked cost of gang violence is the medical and financial consequences. The total volume of crime is estimated to cost Americans $655 billion each year (Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, 2004), and it is reasonable to assume that gangs are responsible for a substantial proportion. Gangs in the United States have long had a significant economic crime impact (Bureau of Justice Assistance, 1997; Valdez, 2000).

As is apparent in these statistics, gangs are a very dangerous and expensive problem to businesses and communities.  There are strategies that can be undertaken to address this issue. One is for the businesses to unite and create a business crime watch.  With businesses looking out for each other and reporting suspicious activity, they can let gang members know that their activity is unacceptable to the community.  Couple business crime watch with involvement by all sectors of law enforcement; city, county, and state government; and community members working cohesively to develop strategies and short- and long-term goals to address gang violence, and that can help the community become a healthier place to live, work, and conduct business.  For additional information on gang strategies, fact sheets, bulletins, and webinars, please visit NCPC’s gang prevention pages under resources or clickhere.

Do you have nomophobia?

The rise in use of smartphones has resulted in a new fear called nomophobia.  A recent survey by U.K.-based mobile security service provider SecurEnvoy conducted among 1,000 people found that two thirds (66%) of respondents fear losing or being without their mobile phone.  And it is on the rise — up 13% from just four years ago.  Nomophobia also includes the anxiety someone feels when not in the range of a cell tower to receive optimal reception.

If you live in the Washington Metropolitan Area you might be slightly more concerned about nomophobia given recent reports in the media.  Last week the Metropolitan Police Department reported a rise in the theft of smartphones in the District of Columbia.  In a Washington Post article Chief Cathy Lanier said, “It is the single fastest rising crime issue that I’ve seen in a long time.”  Lanier also said 40 to 50 percent of all robberies in the city are smartphone-related.

According to the article, the robberies have been a “snatch, grab, and run” type with the phones being resold quickly.  The average resale value for the phones is estimated to range from $100 - $300.  If this is happening in your area what can you do to protect your smartphone?

NCPC has a few tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings when using your smartphone in public.  Keep your smartphone close to you and do not leave it on a table, desk, or counter.
• Use passwords to lock your phone.
• Do not save your passwords on your smartphone for social media sites, banking, or other personal accounts.
• Know the phone number to report your missing or stolen smartphone.  When you call, the cell phone company can disable the phone remotely.
• Protect your smartphone by using a smartphone security pouch or smartphone security case
• Back up the information on your cell phone in case you lose or have your smartphone stolen.  Most cell phone companies offer backup assistance through your phone plans.
• Download a “find your phone” app or enable a Wipe feature on your phone. If you won’t be able to get your phone back, a Wipe application will clear all the data so your private information won’t fall into the wrong hands.  There is also other technology available that renders the phone useless if stolen.

Do you have any tips to add to this list?

For more information on the survey: http://mashable.com/2012/02/21/nomophobia/

Teen Domestic Violence Month

On February 14^th, of course, we celebrate Valentine’s Day, a day set aside to celebrate and acknowledge those we love. February is also a time to be aware of love gone awry, especially among an increasing number of teens. In 2010, response to the millions of high school students nationwide who experience abuse from a dating partner each year, Congress designated each February as Teen Domestic Violence Month.

Teen domestic violence isn’t just about hitting. It also includes yelling, threatening, or acts of possessiveness or harassment, such as constant phone calling or paging. A recent proclamation by President Obama highlights the severity of the problem--one in 10 high school students nationally report abuse by a boyfriend or girlfriend. Even more high school girls (one in five) experience sexual abuse by a dating partner. When we add reports of verbal or emotional abuse, like shaming or threats, the number increases to one in three teens.

Teens who are in abusive relationships almost never (two out of three) tell anyone, and according to the research, victims of teen dating violence are more likely to abuse drugs, tobacco, or alcohol; have eating disorders; or even commit suicide.

Many of us involved in crime prevention have at some point in our careers been involved in educating and working to prevent domestic violence among adults. As practitioners, parents, community volunteers, and youth leaders, what are we doing to address this growing problem of domestic violence among youth in the United States? We would love to hear some of the strategies that you are using in your community to help address this problem.

For NCPC resources and strategies, please visit www.ncpc.org. Additional information can be found at www.DCD.gov/features/datingviolence or www.WhiteHouse.gov/1is2many.

New Definition of Rape Changes Crime Reporting Standards

The history of sexual assault was changed in 2012 when Attorney General Eric Holder authorized a revised definition of rape. The previous definition, created in 1927, was “the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will.” This definition was limited in sex of the victim and the type of physical attack. The new definition is “the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.” This definition, while more graphic than the previous one, covers the breath of possible victims as well as types of attacks.

First, by characterizing the victim as a person instead of a female, the new definition now includes men. The second change to note is the “without the consent” part of the definition. The previous definition indicated that rape was forcible and without consent, which is common in stranger rape, but is not always the case in acquaintance rape when a person is incapacitated. The new definition now includes victims that are influenced by drugs or alcohol, mental capacity, or age.

So what does this new definition mean? This definition will be used for the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, which releases annual information on serious crimes committed in the United States. Since the new definition expands the category of victims and types of victimization, it allows for a more accurate reporting of the number of occurrences of rape each year.

All of the information in this blog came from the Department of Justice blog, which can be found here.  For more information on rape and sexual assault, visit RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) at www.rainn.org.

Taking Neighborhood Watch to a New Level

Neighborhood Watch (NW) is a proven, recognizable, and structured way for communities to make and keep themselves safe.  It can build community spirit, camaraderie with neighbors, stronger relationships with law enforcement and area businesses, and safer homes and streets. NW has been around for decades, but since 9/11, communities with active NW programs have been encouraged to assist and provide support to homeland security efforts.  Communities have been encouraged to develop an evacuation plan, create a neighborhood directory with phone numbers and email addresses, help neighbors develop emergency preparedness plans, discuss local warning systems and the location of temporary shelters in case of emergencies, and discuss potential terrorist targets in or near the community.

If your NW group is thriving and looking to take its activities to the next level, consider this new approach for your NW group.  First responders make up only 1 percent of the U.S. population.  When disasters strikes, such as tornadoes (Tuscaloosa and Joplin, spring 2011), hurricanes (Katrina, 2005 and Irene, 2011), flooding (Mississippi River, 2011) and snow (Alaska, 2012), the first responders and agencies such as FEMA and the Red Cross can be overwhelmed. Your NW group could assist in recovery efforts by partnering with Citizen Corps and be trained in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) curriculum, which includes fire safety, first aid/triage, emergency preparedness, disaster psychology, organization, and terrorism.  Citizen Corps was created to support the Department of Homeland Security to mobilize the country against threats to national security and assist in the recovery after a disaster or terrorist attack. 

Your NW group can be a vital player in assisting Americans during their time of need. Your group can undertake activities such as creating partnerships with the local business owners to create a directory similar to one developed for your NW community and planning activities year-round to correspond with Crime Prevention Month events in October. NW can organize around may topics, not just crime.  Your group could consider seasonal needs, including weather events or tourist season; year-round celebrations, including Celebrate Safe Communities, www.celebratesafecommunities.org, events; terrorism prevention; and medical emergencies (don’t forget to check on the elderly in your community.)  To learn more about Citizen Corps visit www.citizencorps.gov.  To find assessments and information to enhance your NW , visit NCPC’s home and neighborhood safety pages under the “Resources” tab.

To find out more about taking your NW group to a new level and partnering with Citizen Corps program, download this podcast interview with Tami Wyrick, executive director of the Virginia Crime Prevention Association.

Monopoly Money

Let’s face it; in times of economic hardship, we could all use just a little bit more money.

Something to set aside, something to pay the bills, or even, dare I say, something to splurge on a vacation. In a society where money makes the world go around, many of us have been standing still for quite some time. So, when you need more money, what do you do? Get another job? Work a few hours of overtime? Or how about removing the ink on a five dollar bill and reprinting it as a one-hundred dollar bill? One of these things is not quite like the others, but sadly, it’s still true.

Throughout the United States, and most recently in the Milwaukee Metro area, businesses have been victims of counterfeit currency transactions. Perpetrators are bleaching five dollar bills clean of ink, and then printing over the real money with larger denominations such as twenty, fifty, or even one-hundred dollar bills. Unfortunately, what’s fast money for some is hard earned money for others and not just the businesses, but every employee that works for them.  Thankfully, there are a few tips and precautions that business operators and clerks can take to prevent themselves from falling victim to counterfeiters.

• Now that you’re aware, be on the lookout for any suspicious bills.
• In addition to the standard security pen test, hold the bill up to the light and look for the watermark on the right hand side of the bill every time.
• Don’t be afraid to contact your local police department or manager if you’re unsure about a suspicious looking bill.

For more information about counterfeit money, visit www.wiccrimeprevention.com.