NCJ Number
189414
Date Published
2001
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This manual describes the purpose and procedures of Virginia's Certified Crime Prevention Community Program, whose purpose is to publicly recognize and certify localities that have implemented a defined set of community safety strategies as part of a comprehensive community safety/crime prevention effort.
Abstract
This program manual is designed to provide in-depth information and guidance regarding all aspects of the Certified Crime Prevention Community Program, from the application process to certification and recertification. The certification process consists of five parts or phases: enrollment, application package development, application package review, on-site verification, and board review. If an applicant is denied certification, the applicant has 30 days in which to notify the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) of its intention to appeal. The DCJS schedules an appeal hearing with the Criminal Justice Services Board (CJSB), and the applicant meets with the CJSB to present its appeal. All decisions by the CJSB are final and binding. Certified localities will retain their certification for a period of 3 years, after which they are subject to annual certification of the programs listed in their initial applications. This process may include on-site verification. Certified localities must complete a reassessment process every 3 years to maintain certification. One section of the manual lists and describes each core element of the program. Each description is followed by a "Responsibility" section, which lists local agencies and organizations that should play a role in implementing that particular element. Next, a "Rationale" section is provided for each element to explain its inclusion in the program. "Suggested Implementation Plan" and "Suggested Goals" sections are provided to give guidance to localities in implementing core elements for the first time. Another section of the manual lists and briefly describes each optional community safety element of the program. Localities must have a minimum of seven elements from this list to qualify for certification.