Every 10 years, the U.S. government takes a count of every resident in the country, as required by the Constitution. This March, you should be receiving by mail a form for the 2010 Census. The data collected by the census helps the government allocate billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for resources such as hospitals, schools, infrastructure and emergency services, and to help determine congressional representation.

This year, the form will arrive by mail and is relatively short, with only 10 questions. It’s possible that census takers may visit your home to with you to confirm information, but it’s important that you know the facts regarding your rights to protect yourself from any potential phishing scam. By becoming familiar with the census questionnaire and the process, you can better protect yourself from any potential fraud. Continue reading Stay On Guard Against Census Fraud »

Nearly a quarter-century after the brutal murder of Kimberly Simon, her case remains unsolved. Her family believed the case was closed when Steven Barnes was charged with her death and spent almost 20 years in prison. But Barnes’ mother Sylvia never doubted her son’s innocence.

Finally in 2008, after her tireless efforts, advances in DNA testing cleared Steven Barnes of the crime. After nearly 20 years in prison, Steven was a free man.

We’ve talked about the importance of DNA testing here on the AMW Safety Center. For two decades, states have been collecting DNA from convicted felons, and it has provided key evidence in thousands of crimes. Continue reading High Tech Tools For Law Enforcement »

For over two decades now America’s Most Wanted has been committed to finding justice for victims. And as the show reaches the milestone of 1000 episodes, that commitment remains unwavering.

Throughout the years, AMW has showcased some terrifying crimes. And even though its impossible to predict when trouble will strike, it always helps to be prepared. The AMW Safety Center builds upon the America’s Most Wanted mission to help ensure that you and your family can be more prepared for emergency or dangerous situations. Whether it’s helping to empower victims of sexual assault or other crimes, tackling gang violence in your community, or even recognizing and responding quickly to someone who’s injured or suffering a health emergency, the AMW Safety Center is a one-stop-shop with the resources and expert advice you and your family need to stay street smart. Continue reading The Resources You and Your Family Need To Be Prepared »