October Marks Crime Prevention Month

Local communities join forces with local law enforcement during a time when police budget cuts are substantial.  Officially recognized as Crime Prevention Month, October is the month when the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) recognizes those who work tirelessly all year to prevent crime and highlights new tips and resources for effective crime prevention in the future.  It is also when registered Celebrate Safe Communities (CSC) sites arrange community-safety events and programs that include law enforcement agencies, schools, and businesses. Celebrate Safe Communities is a joint initiative of NCPC and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), U.S. Department of Justice.

“Crime Prevention Month is a time to reinforce the importance of community safety,” said NCPC President and CEO Ann M. Harkins.  “Community safety and effective crime prevention will always begin with active partnerships between community members and local law enforcement.”

Each week of Crime Prevention Month, Celebrate Safe Communities registered sites have been encouraged to focus on one of four crime prevention themes.  NCPC developed the selected themes through consultation with previous Celebrate Safe Communities participants concerned about widespread crime trends in their local communities.

The themes and weeks are as follows:

• October 1-7: Community Engagement
• October 8-14: Neighborhood and Home Safety
• October 15-21: Personal Safety
• October 22-28: Cyber Safety

The month-long commemoration reinforces the fact that crime prevention pays off and keeps local communities safe and secure.  NCPC applauds the strong support and commitment to crime prevention from all of its partners and sponsors.

For additional information on the Celebrate Safe Communities program, visit www.celebratesafecommunities.org.