Get Kids Involved In Community Crime Prevention

This October, to celebrate Crime Prevention Month, communities all over the country are focusing on activities to get people involved in keeping their neighborhoods safe. Take the opportunity to get your kids involved in these activities, too. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) reminds us that teens are increasingly involved in violent crime, both as victims and perpetrators. The NCPC shows that in the hours after school up to the early evening, teens are the most vulnerable. These are also the hours when they are most likely to be outside of adult supervision. That’s why it’s important to equip our kids with the necessary tools to make the right decisions so that they will be a strong force in crime prevention. Remember to include teens in crime prevention programs, particularly to remind them that they are valuable members of our communities as well. NCPC suggests potential prevention programs involving youths should promote the following:

• Understanding consequences. Involve kids in activities that can help them to learn about what actions might cause them problems and which could help keep them safe. This will help them to about risks associated with dangerous behavior.
• Problem solving and conflict resolution. Teach kids how to work with other people to achieve a goal.
• Building relationships with adults. Working with adults on projects helps to establish trust. This gives kids a connection to positive role models and people they can turn to if they do run into trouble.
• Strengthening bonds to the community. When teens can see that their efforts are contributing to the community, they will feel more a part of that community, and are less likely to do things which hurt or vandalize.

Additionally, when kids are visibly involved in the community, adults are less likely to be treated as potential troublemakers. Many of the most successful crime prevention campaigns across the country involve at-risk teens, and so activities for preventing violence should consider the involvement of teens equally as important as participation of adults and law enforcement. The community benefits from participation of all at every level. Check out the NCPC website to access more information and to access the Community Crime Prevention Toolkit.