During Crime Prevention Month, law enforcement, community groups, and citizens are coming together across the country to create stronger partnerships and safer streets. Whether you’re in Florida, Arizona, or Washington, DC, you will see the effects of the Crime Prevention Month and Celebrate Safe Communities initiatives.
Many communities across the county have used the Celebrate Safe Communities initiative to kick off Crime Prevention Month. Strong partnerships between community groups and law enforcement are especially apparent in Miami, FL, and Marana, AZ.
In Miami, the Citizens/Youth Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County has partnered with local law enforcement to put on events throughout the county for citizens at block parties and for youths at schools throughout the area. The events included visits to local elementary schools to promote Circle of Respect, a National Crime Prevention Council initiative to combat bullying and cyberbullying, and included visits from crime prevention icon McGruff the Crime Dog®. McGruff, through a partnership with Home Depot, made appearances and hosted information tables at local stores.
Many Arizona communities participated in Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods (G.A.I.N) as a part of the Celebrate Safe Communities initiatives. There were 15 events in neighborhoods throughout the state including ten in the town of Marana. These events were used to provide information to residents on how they can keep their homes, communities, and families safe from crime and emphasized the importance of every community member being involved in crime prevention.
In Washington, DC, NCPC, the National Sheriffs’ Association, U.S. Department of Justice, and Washington Area Mass Transit Authority (WMATA) Police have partnered to provide crime prevention, personal safety, and situational awareness information to Metro riders at four high-traffic stations in the downtown area. Metro riders were greeted in the morning by NCPC staff, WMATA police officers and McGruff, who handed out informational brochures. Riders at the Metro Center station were visibly excited to see McGruff and get information on how they could stay safe on and off the Metro.
Throughout the month there will continue to be events held across the country. The events may be part of Red Ribbon Week or Halloween Safety fairs but, like events focused on Crime Prevention Month or Celebrate Safe Communities, will accomplish a major goal, bringing law enforcement and community members together while focusing on the necessity of all citizens to be involved in keeping themselves, their families, and their communities safe from crime.
Great post! It is interesting to see what different communities do to observe Crime Prevention Month.
Posted by: Awareness Dates Blogger | October 21, 2009 at 12:57 PM