Book Description

These guidelines provide law enforcement agencies with a framework of the basic elements necessary for the design, implementation, and evaluation of an effective community crime prevention program. The guidelines are applicable to all agencies regardless of size, geographic location, crime problems, etc. The guidelines prescribe a planning phase consisting of issuing a written policy directive from the chief administrator regarding the department's commitment to an active community crime prevention program; involving department personnel, community leaders and city administrators in developing the program; conducting a needs assessment; and establishing written goals for the community crime prevention program. Program preparation involves assigning a program director, providing orientation for all personnel, and developing written objectives and program goals. Community involvement approaches require utilizing the media, informing the public about local crime problems and the benefits of crime prevention programs, enlisting community participation in the program, and coordinating prevention activities with other agencies. The final evaluation phase must be a purposefully designed continuing process with monitoring of specific program activities. The appendixes contain forms and other sample material.