NCJ Number
95975
Date Published
1984
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This evaluation of a technical assistance program for police crime prevention services sought to determine the amount and type of crime prevention activities within the local department and the community as well as the level of involvement of each crime prevention officer (CPO).
Abstract
The program has been well received throughout Pennsylvania, as reflected in the 579 departments that currently participate in the Crime Watch program. Responses received from 77.4 percent of participating departments indicate that 981 persons completed the advance or the basic training from 1978 to 1981. Of the trainees, 710 were still active in crime prevention activities at the time of the evaluation. The total time per week spent on crime prevention by participating departments was 5,415 hours, or 7.6 hours per active CPO. Efforts made to institutionalize crime prevention as an integral part of each local police department have been moderately successful, but much needs to be done. Although there are abundant crime prevention activities in many municipalities, those with a planned, targeted program involving Neighborhood Watch are not common. Evidence indicates that the keystone of successful prevention efforts is involvement of the local Neighborhood Watch group.